What to Expect When Meeting a Las Vegas Criminal Attorney
If you are facing criminal charges, it is crucial to consult with an experienced Las Vegas criminal attorney as soon as possible. If you have never before needed the services of a criminal attorney, however, the prospect of meeting with an attorney can be a bit overwhelming on top of the stress you already feel after being arrested and charged with a crime. To help put you at ease, the team at The Vegas Lawyers offers a preview of what to expect during your first meeting with a Las Vegas criminal attorney.
Overview of the Law Firm
If you are like many people, meeting with a Las Vegas criminal attorney will be your first experience in a lawyer’s office. Knowing how the office is structured and who the “players” are may help you feel more at ease. While every office is unique, you may meet with a legal secretary or paralegal prior to meeting with an attorney. Their job is usually to gather basic information from you, copy documents you brought with you, and act as a point of contact for clients when an attorney is unavailable. Unlike attorneys who practice in other areas of the law, criminal defense attorneys typically spend a considerable amount of time in court, making their support staff an invaluable part of your defense team.
Background Information
Your criminal defense attorney needs as much background information on you as possible to do his/her job well. It may be uncomfortable to answer some of the questions, but rest assured that your attorney won’t ask questions unless he/she needs the answers to help protect and defend you. Be prepared to answer questions about your criminal background (or lack thereof), driving history, education, employment, and family history. Depending on the type of criminal charges involved, your attorney may also ask you questions about your relationships, financial status, and other sensitive subjects. Providing honest answers is crucial to your lawyer’s ability to protect you and mount a winning defense successfully. Keep in mind that everything (with very narrow exceptions) you disclose to your attorney is covered under attorney-client privilege, meaning that your lawyer cannot share the information with anyone else.
Case Details
Next, you will discuss the facts of the case. Come prepared for the meeting with copies of all relevant documents, including anything provided to you when you were arrested, correspondence you received from the prosecutor’s office, and documents that you think might be helpful to your defense. If there are people that you believe your attorney needs to talk to, such as an alibi or character witness, gather their contact information ahead of time as well. Because your lawyer cannot knowingly allow you to commit perjury, he or she may never ask you outright whether you committed the crime; however, your lawyer will ask you other pertinent questions relating to the case. It is in your best interest to answer these questions fully and honestly.
Defense Strategy
After your attorney has a clear picture of the prosecution’s case against you (as it currently stands) and your version of events, you will discuss your legal options. Although you are never required to accept a guilty plea agreement, your attorney may discuss that option with you to ascertain whether you are interested in negotiating an agreement. If you prefer to move forward toward trial, your Las Vegas criminal attorney will go over possible defense strategies with you and explain the next steps in your case.
What Should I Do If I Have Been Charged with a Criminal Offense in Las Vegas?
If you have been charged with a criminal offense in Las Vegas, consult with an experienced Las Vegas criminal attorney at The Vegas Lawyers as soon as possible to discuss your legal options and defenses. Call us at 702-707-7000 or contact us online.