5 Crucial Things To Tell Your Criminal Defense Attorney
If you are facing criminal charges, the first and most crucial thing you should do is to contact a qualified criminal defense attorney. Whether innocent or guilty, you should avoid handling your criminal case alone without legal representation. While you have the legal right to represent yourself, it is advisable that you avoid doing so. Having a skilled defense attorney by your side can be of great help. If you have never been accused of a crime and needed a criminal defense lawyer, you may not know what you should tell your defense attorney. In this article, we have compiled a list of a few vital things you need to ensure you tell your criminal defense lawyer.
- What Happened
Your criminal defense attorney needs to know what happened. First, if you were at the scene of the incident and saw what happened, tell your attorney what you saw. Share a complete version of events, ensuring you don’t leave out any details. Share with your attorney even those details you think are minor. Even those details you think are minor can be crucial in your case. Second, if you committed the crime you are accused of committing, let your attorney know the truth. If you weren’t at the crime scene or don’t know what happened, let your lawyer know that also. Tell your attorney if you have an alibi.
- Context About Your Life When You Were Charged
It is important that your defense attorney knows what was happening in your life before you were charged with the crime. The details of what was happening in your life can help your attorney with your defense. For example, details about what was happening in your life before you were charged can provide insight into your mental state at the time of the alleged crime. Factors such as stress might have impacted your actions or decisions. For example, stress might have caused you to assault someone. In such a case, stress could be a mitigating factor that could help your attorney fight for a lenient sentence or reduced charge.
- What You Told the Police
If you spoke to the police, you need to tell your attorney everything you told the police. Remember, what you say to the police can be used against you. Therefore, you need to tell your defense lawyer everything you told the police so they can do damage control.
- Information About Witnesses
If you know about people who witnessed what happened, you need to tell your attorney about them. Information about witnesses is crucial as witnesses can help support your side of the story. On the other hand, if there are witnesses that could testify against you, knowing about them can help your attorney know what to expect and prepare for it.
- Information About Evidence
If you have any evidence in your possession, your defense attorney needs to know about it. Also, if you know the location of evidence, share that information with your attorney. Your attorney may be able to use the evidence to defend you. If it is incriminating evidence, knowing about it will help your attorney prepare your defense.
Talk to an NYC Criminal Defense Attorney
Our skilled NYC criminal defense attorney at Mark I. Cohen, Esq., can help you fight your criminal charges. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
