The Questions a Criminal Defense Lawyer Will Ask You in the First Meeting

Sitting down with a criminal defense lawyer for the first time can be pretty scary. There’s a lot on the line and even more on your mind. You’re probably thinking of the charges you’re facing and how this could change your life. The pressure you’re feeling is all the more reason you need to get the help of a lawyer to fight your criminal charges.  

Every question your lawyer asks is trying to get to the bottom of things, to find the truth that can help you. This session might seem like an interrogation, but it also doubles as your chance to tell your story, to share your fears, and to mention even the smallest details. 

These are some of the questions you can expect from a defense lawyer during your first meeting:

What Happened During the Incident?

You’ll need to tell the story in your own words, from the beginning to the end. When you tell your own side, the lawyer can see things from your own point of view.

Don’t hold back on even the small details because they also count. Maybe it was a look, a comment, or something you thought was small at the time but could actually be really important.

Your lawyer wants you to be honest and not hold back on anything. This is the foundation for your defense. They’re trying to build a case based on the truth, so the more detail you give them, the better they can help you in court. Take your time and walk them through everything step by step.

Were There Any Witnesses?

Your lawyer will ask if anyone else saw what happened. And that doesn’t just mean obvious people like the person involved or someone who jumped in to help. It could be someone who was nearby, maybe just watching, or even someone you talked to right before or right after the incident. 

Witnesses are key to figuring out what happened, and they can either support or hurt your case. So when you answer this question, try to think hard to remember anyone who might’ve seen you or was around that day.  

What’s Your Relationship to the Other Person?

If you know the person who’s accusing you, make sure you mention that. Your relationship with the other person can affect how the case goes. 

Your lawyer asking this doesn’t mean they are looking for drama at all. They just need context. They need to know if there’s a history between you two because that could come up during the trial. 

You have to be open about any past issues, arguments, or connections. It’s all part of the bigger picture that will help your lawyer build the right defense.

Have You Talked About the Case to Anyone?

Your lawyer will want to know if you’ve talked to anyone about the case. Maybe you spoke to the police, or a friend, or even posted something online. Whatever you’ve said outside of that meeting can be brought up in court, so it’s better your lawyer knows about it now. 

They’re not asking because they want to sanction you for being loose-lipped. They only want to make sure they’re prepared for whatever might come up later. Be honest about who you talked to and what you said, even if you don’t think it’s a big deal.  

Do You Have Any Previous Convictions?

This might feel like a sensitive question, but your lawyer needs to know if you’ve got any prior convictions. They’re not asking to judge you. They just need to understand how the court might look at your past. 

Even if your previous convictions have nothing to do with your current case, they could still play a role in how things turn out. When you answer, be upfront about everything, no matter how long ago it was or if you think it’s irrelevant. 

It helps your lawyer prepare and figure out how to handle any potential issues that could come up.