Our firm offers a free consultation and case review for all our clients and potential clients. As an experienced criminal defense attorney who has been in the field of criminal defense for over 20 years, I can usually get a full understanding of my clients' situation and formulate at least a partial plan of defense for their criminal case at the free consultation.

When you or a loved one are charged with a crime, the first meeting with a criminal defense attorney is a crucial step in the process. In this blog, I will discuss the best way to approach the free consultation with a criminal defense attorney to increase the chances of success in mounting a criminal defense to all types of criminal charges either felony or misdemeanor.

Be Honest and Tell Your Criminal Defense Attorney Everything You Know

Many times, people will try to downplay their role in a situation or make up a story all together when they meet their criminal defense attorney for a free consultation. By doing this you are only hurting yourself. If your lawyer knows the whole story, he or she can better help you get out of the situation you are in.

Your criminal defense attorney is bound by confidentiality and cannot disclose anything that is said in the free consultation. This is true even if you don't end up hiring the criminal defense attorney to handle your criminal case. If your lawyer doesn't know the whole story, he or she may create a plan of defense that can backfire when that story falls apart.

Remember it's not what you did but what can be proven by the government. It is a much more effective strategy to attack the government's case using the real facts of a case than making things up. Do yourself a favor and tell the truth to your criminal defense attorney at the free consultation.

Remember That in A Criminal Case, Your Criminal Defense Attorney Is Your Only Friend

In a criminal case, a person charged with a crime will encounter judges, prosecutors, cops, court staff and witnesses. There is only one person who is entirely on their side and that is their criminal defense attorney. An experienced and skilled criminal defense attorney will use all means to help their client out of a criminal case.

Once you have explained the situation to the criminal lawyer, ask questions regarding your specific case that will help you understand if this criminal defense attorney is the right one for you.

Some questions that you can ask at a free consultation are as follows:

• How long have you been practicing criminal defense?
• Have you handled this type of case before?
• How much experience do you have with the court where my case is being heard?
• How would you proceed with my defense now that you know the facts?
• What will happen at the first/next court hearing?
• Will you be handling my case personally?
• What are some defenses that are available?
• What about bail?
• How do you charge for your services?

As Your Criminal Defense Attorney About Bail At The Free

People often make the mistake of posting bail before speaking with a criminal defense attorney. This is usually a mistake. Often, a criminal defense attorney will be able to make better bail arrangements for his clients. Make sure to ask your criminal defense attorney about this at your free consultation.

You can read more about how bail works in my blog here.

Ask About Fees and Payment Plans At The Free Consutation

Although you are getting a free consultation, a criminal defense attorney's services cost money. Most criminal defense attorneys will charge a flat fee for their services. That means you will pay one fee for all work done on your case. Some will charge hourly and others will charge incrementally as the case goes on. What is best for you all depends on your financial situation.

I discuss how a criminal defense attorney will charge for their services in my earlier blog post here. Make sure you find out how your criminal defense attorney charges and what you can expect as far as costs are concerned at your free consultation before you decide to hire a criminal defense attorney.

Vitaly Sigal is the principal and founder of the Sigal Law Group with over 20 years' experience in the field of criminal defense he offers a free consultation and case review on all criminal matters. To schedule a free consultation please call  818 325-0570. You can also email the attorney directly here.