Tips for Preparing for Your Consultation with Your DUI Attorney
Posted on Nov 19, 2016 10:50am PST
Your initial meeting with your
DUI attorney in Glen Burnie or Severn may take place while you are in custody or after
you have been released. Since DUI cases are time-sensitive, it’s
important to meet with your attorney as soon as possible. However, you
should take a few minutes to prepare so that your attorney can thoroughly
evaluate your case.
Create a Concise Summary
The stress of the arrest can make it difficult to think clearly and you
may quickly begin to forget important details. It’s important to
write down your side of the story promptly. Be completely honest in your
summary of the events; being less than truthful with your lawyer can compromise
the outcome of your case. Your attorney will need to know the key facts
of the case, such as the reason the police officer pulled you over, the
way you interacted with the officer, and the responses you gave to the
officer’s questions.
Write Down Your Questions
The criminal justice system can be confusing for defendants. You may have
questions about the potential penalties if you are convicted and you may
be wondering about the next steps in the legal process. You might also
be curious to know exactly how your lawyer plans to approach your case
and what your chances are of securing a favorable outcome. Write down
all of your questions in order of priority.
Make a List of Witnesses
Write down the full names and contact information of all parties involved
with your case. This includes anyone else who was in the car with you
and anyone you may have seen prior to getting in the car.
Consider Your Goals
You might think that the goal of a defendant in a DUI case would be obvious,
but there are more outcomes to consider than the possibility of an acquittal.
Many cases involve plea deals. A plea bargain would allow you to avoid
a trial; you would agree to plead guilty in the hopes of having the charges
reduced and getting a lesser sentence.