Once in a while, you might find yourself on the wrong side of the law. In such a situation, defending your actions or deeds can be frightening, especially if you have no experience handling judicial matters. Besides, charges against you have a significant impact on your life. However, you can consult a criminal law firm to get legal assistance. If you’re in New South Wales, looking for reliable criminal lawyers Wollongong can help you build a strong case and reduce your chances of getting behind bars.
Bearing that in mind, you must be fully ready for your consultation. Consider these steps on how to prepare for a talk at a criminal law firm:
1. Schedule a meeting with the lawyer
The earlier you book an appointment or consultation, the better. Your defence attorney must have a one-on-one sitting with you. This will give you a chance to interact as well as share your story with the lawyer.
Criminal offences can be categorised under federal laws as juvenile or domestic violence. Your attorney can advise where your case lies and the implications.
During the consultation, find out if the lawyer has the experience needed to handle your case and their qualifications in law. The good thing is that most Australian criminal lawyers offer free consultations. You can gauge the lawyer’s expertise during the first meeting and decide whether to hire or drop them without making any financial commitments.
2. Gather all relevant documents
Every case requires specific documents. It’s necessary to have them as you go to meet your lawyer. Some of the relevant documents for a lawyer’s criminal case include:
- Charging documents
- Affidavits
- Police records
- Bail papers
- Court documents
- Restraining order details
- Written information to describe your background and professional life
- Property search papers
- Details on your next court date
Depending on your case stage, you may have or not have any paperwork. If you’ve already had your first hearing, you must present your lawyer with all the court documents. Such details help your attorney understand where things stand at the moment and what action to take.
3. Prepare a list of questions concerning your charges
Following the charges, you might have some questions going through your mind. Feel free to inquire from the lawyer since their responses shed light and help you understand why the criminal charges were pressed against you. You may need clarification from your lawyer regarding the following:
- Are there other ways you can resolve the conflict aside from court proceedings?
- How long will your sentence be if convicted?
- How long will your case last?
You might also want to ask your lawyer some questions concerning their practice. For instance, if your lawyer has handled several related cases, you can count on their experience and hope to win the case. You can also ask the lawyer the following questions:
- How much do you charge for your services?
- Do you accept flat fees?
Such questions will prepare you psychologically for your case’s financial implications.
4. Prepare a statement
You have to tell your attorney the entire truth about the events that transpired and led to the criminal charges. It would help if you didn’t hide anything from your lawyer. It’s up to the lawyer to decide what can be said in the courtroom and what’s best kept a secret.
Your lawyer is under a secrecy oath. The attorney-client privilege protects all information you share with them. It’ll be used for legal purposes only and can’t be shared with any unauthorised third party. So, don’t hide anything. Withholding some information from your attorney might hurt your case proceedings later if the prosecutor surprises you with questions that your lawyer has no clue about.
5. Don’t share information concerning your case
You shouldn’t share any information with anyone else apart from your lawyer. Before or after meeting your lawyer, you shouldn’t make your case known via social networks. Also, avoid sharing with your friends or family.
Your accounts may get to the wrong person, and some sensitive details can be used against you in court. Your attorney might lack enough tips to build a strong defence statement by putting all the information out there.
6. Identify your witnesses
As the other side gathers evidence that could incriminate you, witnesses will be an added advantage to your side. If you have witnesses that can testify to your character, that were present when it all happened, you’ll need them. Share their contacts with the lawyer during the initial consultation, and they’ll advise you on how to have them prepped for court. Their contributions will set you ahead in your hearing. Thus, if your story and the witness’s story are alike, you might be set free.
Conclusion
With criminal charges pressed against you, getting just defence lawyers could be the next best thing to do. They’ll help you to the best of their abilities. However, it’s not cast in stone that you’ll win the case. Hiring a defence attorney gives you the requisite legal representation and increases your chances of being proven innocent.
Reference
- “Getting an Attorney to Handle Your Criminal Case”, Source: https://www.criminaldefenselawyer.com/resources/getting-an-attorney-criminal-charge.htm?_gl=1*1dcu6nt*_ga*OTM5Mzc4NjQ2LjE2NTc3OTQyNjI.*_ga_RJLCGB9QZ9*MTY1Nzc5NDI2My4xLjEuMTY1Nzc5NDMyNC4w
- “Ten Questions to Ask Your Potential Lawyer”, Source: https://www.findlaw.com/hirealawyer/choosing-the-right-lawyer/ten-questions-to-ask-your-potential-lawyer.html
- “Importance of Honesty with your Attorney”, Source: https://www.lawfirms.com/resources/importance-of-honesty-with-your-attorney.html?_gl=1*1vey7kf*_ga*OTM5Mzc4NjQ2LjE2NTc3OTQyNjI.*_ga_RJLCGB9QZ9*MTY1Nzc5NDI2My4xLjEuMTY1Nzc5NDU0Mi4w
- “Common Defenses to a Criminal Charge”, Source: https://www.alllaw.com/criminal-law/common-defenses-to-a-criminal-charge.html
