Criminal Defense Information Center > How to Prepare for the Initial Interview with Your Lawyer
Preparing for an Attorney Interview
Attorney Representation in Houston, Texas since 1992
The initial interview is an extremely important step in the attorney-client relationship. It should establish the foundation of trust and cooperation with the client, gather pertinent information regarding the case, and explain the fees and expenditures involved and the conditions under which the attorney will work.
One of the first things that should be established in the attorney-client relationship is the honesty and openness of the client in revealing all information to his or her attorney. It is essential that the client open themselves up to the attorney, and not hold anything back because of shame or embarrassment. Your attorney is there to help you, and holding a certain fact secret from him will likely hurt your case in the long run. Also, an attorney should inform the client that they should not discuss the aspects of their case with anyone not directly associated with their defense. This is especially important if the client is incarcerated. The attorney should admonish the client not to talk about their case with other inmates and/or correctional officers. Likewise, the defendant should be advised that their mail, telephone calls, and personal meetings may (and probably will) be monitored by jail authorities. Legally, this does not apply to correspondence and communications between an attorney and their client, but it is advisable to assume that you will be monitored. Finally, the client should remember not to talk about their case with any law enforcement authorities without the presence of their lawyer.
At the initial meeting, it is generally advisable to exclude third-persons from the meeting. This especially true if this third person is involved, in any way, with the case at hand. The third person's presence may cause embarrassment and/or make the accused reluctant to discuss his or her case and the third party's involvement in the case. However, if the case involves a minor, than it is always wise to have a parent or legal guardian present for all meetings with your attorney.
Finally, the defendant should do their homework and come to the meeting prepared. This involves researching the charge against him or her (a good place to start is on this website, the internet, or the law section of your local public library), and developing questions to ask your lawyer during the first interview. This will ensure that you will make the most of your limited meeting time with your lawyer, and you will not be wasting either his or your time in the process. Most of all, arrive at the meeting with a positive attitude, relax, and work with your attorney so that he or she can provide you with the absolute best representation possible.
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