Confidentiality from the first conversation
What you tell a lawyer during a criminal defense consultation is generally kept confidential even if you do not end up hiring that lawyer. That protection can be lost when other people are present, so it is usually wiser to come alone or to ask the lawyer beforehand whether a family member should join. You do not need every detail sorted out before calling, and describing what happened honestly is more useful than offering a polished version. The lawyer will also run a conflict check to make sure the firm does not represent anyone else involved, such as a co-defendant or the complainant. If police want to interview you, it is usually better to get advice first, and you can tell officers politely that you want a lawyer before answering questions.
Paperwork and information to bring
Bring any paperwork you received, such as a desk appearance ticket, bail receipt, property voucher, order of protection, or a letter from an investigator. Note your court dates and the names of any officers or agencies who contacted you. If messages, photos, or records bear on what happened, bring them or describe them, but do not delete anything from your phone or accounts, because deleting evidence can create a separate problem. If you are not a US citizen, say so early, since immigration consequences can affect how the case should be handled from the start. A short list of the questions you most want answered helps the meeting cover what matters to you.
What the meeting should leave you with
By the end you should understand the charges or potential charges, the next court date or deadline, and the general shape of how a matter like yours tends to move. We explain what we would do in the near term, such as contacting the prosecutor, appearing at arraignment, or responding to an investigator, and what that work is likely to involve. Fees and the scope of representation should be discussed openly and put in writing before work begins. We also tell you what to avoid while the matter is pending, including contacting witnesses or the complainant. Whether to hire a lawyer is your decision, and the consultation is meant to give you enough information to make it.
