Defense Attorney: Help Your Attorney Fight Your Case

Working with a defense attorney is your best chance at receiving a positive outcome in court. Be sure to tell your lawyer all that he asks. Do not hold back any information, because that could harm your case. Even if you know of a detail that you think is unimportant but is somewhat related to the case, tell your lawyer this information. Let your lawyer determine what is important and unimportant. If your lawyer prefers that you simply answer direct questions that are posed, do just that.

Each lawyer prefers to work in a certain way, so you should expect to conform a bit to those expectations. Your goal is to do everything that you can to help your lawyer to assist you in fighting your case. Hiring a lawyer does not mean that you simply sit back and do nothing. Taking an active role in your case is best. This means that when your lawyer asks you for specific documents, you provide them or tell your lawyer how to get them. You may need to provide names, address, and phone numbers of people who may support your case. Do not withhold this information.

Take notes so you will remember what your lawyer tells you. List items that your lawyer asks you to bring during meeting or to court. You can also list any questions that you may have and bring them to your meetings. If you remember anything at all about your case that you did not tell your lawyer, write the information down, and either call your defense attorney with the new information, or schedule a meeting and tell your lawyer the information in person.

One of the worst things that could happen is to have your lawyer be surprised by information presented during the case that you knew and did not reveal. Your lawyer must trust you, and you must trust your lawyer. This person may have your freedom or your life in his hands.

Always be on time for meetings with your lawyer and bring any required materials with you. Be respectful of your lawyer's time. This means that you should be ready and prepared at the time and place that your lawyer indicates. You certainly must be punctual during court sessions as well. Prepare to get to court a few minutes earlier than your sessions. Account for traffic and delays that life may throw your way. It's better to arrive to court several minutes early and have to wait than to show up late, angering the judge who decides your case. Being on time shows that you are reliable and organized. It also shows that you are a conscientious person.

Remember to follow all of your lawyer's instructions pertaining to your behavior in court. This means that you should dress professionally, speak so that the judge and members of your court can hear you, and be polite and respectful when you answer questions. Never get angry at anything that the prosecutor says about you. Respond exactly as your lawyer has instructed you to respond. Following the instructions of your defense attorney can help you.