When you are facing any criminal charges—even traffic or misdemeanor offenses—you are facing serious consequences that could affect your life down the road. You could have a permanent criminal record that will impact the ability to obtain a job, a professional license, and a loan. If you face felony charges, the penalties are much more severe. So you want to do everything in your case to help reduce the negative consequences.

Ways You Can Assist Your Attorney With Your Criminal Defense

You and your attorney are a team. There are many ways that you can take a little control of what can feel like an uncontrollable situation and help your attorney with your defense. This is a way to positively influence what happens in your case. Ways that you can assist your attorney in defending you include:

  • Be honest. Your attorney can only help you if you are honest with him. When he asks you a question, be honest in your answer. Your discussions with him are protected by the attorney-client privilege. Your answers could lead him to possible defenses—even if you are guilty. However, do not freely provide him with information that he does not ask for or confess your guilt. If you retain an experienced criminal defense attorney, he will know what he needs to know and does not want to discuss to best defend you.
  • Discuss your goals. Once your lawyer has investigated your case, he will be able to tell you the strengths and weaknesses of your case and the possible outcomes. You should inform your attorney about your willingness to accept a plea agreement. Similarly, he needs to know if you want to fight your case and take it to trial if necessary.
  • Discuss how much you can pay. You will need to discuss how much the attorney will charge for your defense and what you can afford to pay for expert witnesses, depositions, and private investigators in addition to his fees. This will help your attorney in developing your defense.
  • Provide documents and information promptly. Provide your attorney with any documents, witness’ contact information, and any other information that will help in your defense as soon as possible. If you delay in sharing this information, you make it harder to build a strong defense.
  • Communicate with your attorney. While you should not contact your attorney daily, you want to set a schedule for communicating with your attorney about your case and be in contact with him on those dates. Be certain that your lawyer always has your correct cell phone number, address, and email address so that he can contact you when necessary.
  • Always be on time. You need to be on time for all court hearings and appointments with your attorney. You want to be early for your court hearings to avoid the risk of being late and making a bad impression with the prosecutor and judge, as well as inconveniencing your attorney. You should also dress appropriately for your court hearings.
  • Don’t talk to the police. You should never talk to the police unless you have first discussed this with your attorney and he agrees and is present. Even if the police try to convince you that it is in your best interest to cooperate, it is not—unless it is done on the advice of your attorney.
  • Stay off social media. You can help your attorney—and not hurt your criminal case—by staying off social media while your case is pending. If you must be on social media, do not discuss anything about your criminal case and be extremely careful in what you post. The prosecutor could search your social media postings.
  • Follow your attorney’s advice. You hired your attorney because you thought that he could help you achieve the best possible outcome for your situation. You can help him achieve this goal for you by following his advice. When you do not follow his recommendations, you can weaken your defense and hamper his abilities to defend you.
  • Pay your bills on time. You need to honor your agreement with your attorney and pay your bills on time. Your attorney is providing you with a valuable service. When you pay him late, he may not be able to hire the expert witnesses and private investigators he needs to mount an effective defense.

Once you retain an experienced criminal defense attorney, he can advise you on the best ways that you can help him. 

Are You Looking for a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Charlotte, NC?

If you are facing criminal charges, you need to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Charlotte office directly at 980.207.3355 to schedule your free consultation.

 

C. Todd Browning
Connect with me
Charlotte Criminal Defense and DWI Lawyer