Not only is it important that you go into a criminal case prepared to make a compelling case, but you also need to be prepared when you meet a criminal lawyer for the first time. Our team at Kurtz and Peters and Associates wants to make sure you’re coming to a meeting ready to talk about your case. We’ve put together a list of things you should do to prepare for a meeting with a criminal lawyer in Florida.

Bring all necessary documentation

It’s essential that you come to your first meeting with your attorney prepared with the appropriate documentation for your case and any leading up to it. It’s recommended that you bring all police reports, court documents, and documents regarding bail for your current case. Furthermore, bring any documents you have from any prior criminal charges or convictions. Finally, put together a document that includes your personal contact information and professional history. This way, your attorney can get ahold of you and learn more about your background.

Write down some questions

You’ll often think of questions you want to ask an attorney before arriving at your first meeting. Be sure to write them down as they come to you. You can either put them on your phone or write them down on a notepad. However you choose to do it, don’t forget to bring it with you.

If you’re having trouble coming up with questions, we have a few here that should help to get the juices flowing.

• What are my options with this case?
• What are the best-/worst-case scenarios with my case?
• Have you handled many cases similar to mine?
• Who all from your law firm will be handling my case?
• Can you tell me if my case will go to court?

Gather items that can be used as evidence

Anything that you think might be helpful in your case should be brought with you to your meeting. Photos, videos, audio recordings, documents, and whatever else you might have. Let your attorney take a look at what you have and validate its use. Additionally, your attorney can help to suggest anything else that might be helpful in fighting your case. When it comes down to it, your attorney can argue on your behalf and do their best to persuade the jury in your favor, but convincing evidence is what will win your case.

Compile a list of witnesses

You’re the best source for providing your attorney with a list of witnesses who can testify in court. It doesn’t matter if they’re testifying on your behalf to corroborate your story, verify your alibi, or testify to your character; you know best who can work to your benefit in your case. In contrast, you also want to let your attorney know who might have evidence against you. Your attorney can prepare an effective argument should anyone who has evidence against you be brought in to testify.

Dress appropriately

Attorneys want to work with people who take the charges levied against them seriously. Wear your best clothes and clean up your appearance before coming to your first meeting because this is a great way to demonstrate that you’re not taking the matter lightly.

Get in touch for more

Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at Kurtz and Peters and Associates today to schedule a meeting with a criminal lawyer in Florida. Schedule a meeting with our team by calling our office in Boca Raton, FL, at 833-252-2256. You can also use our contact form to schedule a meeting.