Helping Your Lawyer Prepare For Your Criminal Case

So you have been charged with a criminal offense.  You feel like your world is falling apart.  It is a difficult time that affects every aspect of your life.  You need a knowledgeable and experienced attorney by your side.  Hopefully you have hired one.  

What can you do to help?  There are several things.

First and foremost: do not talk to anyone about your case except your attorney.  You have the right to remain silent.  Use it!  It is extremely damaging to your case if you speak about it with anyone. And it can kill your case if you put anything on social media.  You also have this right even with your attorney.  Your attorney will probably ask you very specific questions.  Think about how your attorney is asking those questions and answer the question that is being asked. 

Think of any evidence that you may have. Although the burden to prove their case is on the State, anything that you may have to disprove the State's case will definitely make things easier.  Do you have any witnesses?  Give their names and contact information to your attorney immediately.  The longer the amount of time that passes may make it difficult for your witnesses to be reached, or their memory may start to fade.  Do you have any documentation that may help like receipts, registrations, leases, or phone records?  For some of these items, certified copies may need to be ordered, and your attorney will need to have the time to do so. 

It is also important to stay in contact with your attorney.  Keep him or her updated with contact information.  You may have an unexpected court date arise, the state may disclose evidence at the last minute, or any number of things can happen to where your attorney needs to speak with you right away.

The most important thing that you can do is listen to the advise of your attorney.  Your attorney knows the rules of procedure and the rules of evidence.  What you believe may be important, unfortunately may not be admissible or legally relevant.  It is imperative that you have a relationship of trust with your attorney.

If you have been charged with a criminal offense, contact Heather Bryan Law for your consultation online, or call 863-825-5309.

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