Whether it’s a traffic ticket or a DUI situation, hiring an attorney can be stressful.  Despite that stress, it is important to select your attorney carefully and prepare information for your first meeting.  An attorney can do a better job defending you with all the facts.

Tip #1:  Your legal health is as important as  your medical health! What do I mean by that? Research your attorney’s qualifications.  Is there experience with your type of case? Do not hire your Uncle Bob’s sister-in-law, the divorce attorney, to handle a DUI case! Chances are that she won’t have the technical/scientific/court familiarity that you need to successfully resolve your issue. What background does he or she have in going to court? Is your prospective attorney even a litigator? How many years has she or he been practicing law? If you are facing a DUI or criminal charge whether misdemeanor or felony, having an attorney with prior experience as a prosecutor can be a huge plus.  Is there a specialty in a certain type of law? Again, you do not want to hire a real estate attorney to handle your criminal or traffic matter. Your license and sometimes your freedom is at stake.  I can’t stress this enough. You would not hire a dermatologist to handle your ulcer surgery! One thing I continually stress to clients who come to me to handle a case after they are unhappy with their current attorney is that you must take the same care with your legal health as you do with your medical health. Failing to do that can and often does have dire legal consequences.   Much  information on a prospective attorney can be found on their website or in search engines or through  a phone call.

Tip #2:  Prepare for your first meeting as a job interview.  Arrive 15 minutes early to fill out any paperwork and have your personal information with you. Don’t plan on going to see your attorney while on the way home from carpooling your three kids. You need to focus for this meeting. Turn off your cell phone and listen. As an early step in the lawyer/client relationship, the first impression is important.  Do not be intimidated or leave out information because you don’t think it important. Ask questions!

Tip #3:  Organize your information.  Bring all paperwork with you in a neat file.  If you have witnesses or an alibi, be sure to have their contact information with you. If you have text messages or emails that constitute correspondence relevant to your case, bring it with you.

Tip #4:  Be honest.  Your attorney needs to know all details to properly defend you.  Surprises in the courtroom are not to your benefit.  Make sure that your attorney is fully prepped on important facts.

Tip #5:  Take notes and ask questions.  Your lawyer will provide information and direction about what you need to do.  Write it down, so that you can review it later and prepare as needed.  You should also ask questions about the process:

• What will this cost and are there payment arrangements?
• What options do I have?
• Do I need to go to court or do you just go?
• Will I lose my license?
• Do I have to attend classes?
• Will I be able to drive to work?

By following these tips, you will have a productive partnership with your attorney.

The Law Offices of Laura J. Morask provide full legal consultations in a rush-free, non-intimidating atmosphere.  We spend as much time as you need reviewing questions, your rights and responsibilities and what we can do for your particular legal situation.