Meeting With Your Criminal Defense Attorney
It is very important to prepare in advance for your first meeting with your criminal defense attorney. It is also important to meet as soon as possible so your attorney can formulate a strategy and defense for your case. No matter how good your criminal defense attorney is, he or she has to rely on the information that you give. If that information is incomplete or inaccurate, it can hurt your case down the road.
Be Aware of the Charges You Face
If you are seeking the help of a criminal defense attorney in Columbia, you have probably already had some contact with law enforcement. If you are not yet charged, you likely were questioned by police. In either case, it is crucial that you know what the police suspect you of having done and why they suspect you. This information allows your attorney to begin planning your case.
Prepare an Accurate and Thorough Account of What Happened
While interactions with the police can be very stressful, it is important to remember what occurred during every interaction. Small details about where you were and what was said can be crucial to your defense. If you incriminated yourself during questioning, details about the circumstances under which the police questioned you can help your attorney try to keep those incriminating statements out of court. Even if your attorney is unable to keep those statements out of court, it is still important that he or she knows what you said because it will likely come up at trial.
Be Honest About Details That May Harm Your Case
Concealing unfavorable details from your attorney is never a good strategy. Most prosecutors are very good at what they do and usually have no problem uncovering those details on their own. Concealing unfavorable details only makes it harder for your attorney to prepare a defense. For example, if you are accused of harming a person with whom you had a previous argument or grudge, tell your attorney about it. He or she needs to know these things in order to prepare for when they come up at trial.
Have Some Idea of the Financial Resources You Can Devote to Your Defense
Criminal attorneys in Columbia have a variety of experts and professionals at their disposal that they can use in the technical or scientific areas of your case. Using these experts can be expensive. Your lawyer should know what resources you are willing to commit to your defense.
Contact South Carolina Criminal Defense Attorney Jack B. Swerling Today
If you are facing criminal charges or learn you are the subject of a criminal investigation, call our law firm 24 hours a day at 800-701-0599. Our answering service can direct you to Jack Swerling, Attorney at Law. You may also contact Jack Swerling online.