First Meeting With Your Attorney: Intake Questions After Getting Arrested

If you get arrested, you should seek an attorney experienced in criminal matters. The criminal justice system can be scary and complicated. Once they issue an arrest warrant, law enforcement officers will likely take you to the police station for processing.

Soon after, you may face an arraignment where the prosecutor formally presents your criminal charges. There could be violations of your constitutional rights, such as a lack of probable cause.

This can be daunting, especially if you’re unsure about the intricacies of the legal process. For instance, you may wonder about the difference between entering a guilty plea and a plea of no contest.

How an Attorney Can Help Your Criminal Case

Your attorney is your strongest advocate and can help you challenge the prosecution’s evidence. They can argue to drop your charges if there isn’t enough evidence. They can also help ensure that misdemeanor records are eligible for expungement later. They may even negotiate with the government to get a plea bargain in your criminal case.

Attorneys Will Learn All Relevant Information

For your attorney to best represent you, they must know all the relevant information about your case and your background. This includes your phone calls after your arrest, your release on your own recognizance, or whether the court set bail.

Also, some information may not seem important, but could be vital in your criminal case. An address from five years ago might seem unimportant, but it can become relevant during serious crime charges. For instance, former neighbors might give witness testimony that they saw the weapons used in a crime at your old address.

Attorneys Understand Each Court Date

Understanding the importance of each court appearance is vital. Your lawyer will prepare you for every court date leading up to your trial date. In the event of a trial, proving your innocence beyond a reasonable doubt becomes paramount.

You can be prepared to explain relevant information to your attorney. Getting arrested is frightening, but knowing what questions you will be asked in advance can help make for a smooth meeting with your lawyer.

Types of Questions Your Attorney May Ask

The lists below explain the information you should give your attorney during your first meeting. This includes whether you have a criminal history or if there’s an active arrest warrant in your name.

Previous criminal history can be relevant to your chances of success at trial. It can also affect your sentence. Factors such as your education and income level also influence a jury’s perception of you and the length of your imprisonment.

Sample Attorney Questions After Getting Arrested

• Full Legal Name
• Date of Birth
• Race/Nationality
• Social Security Number
• Address
• Length of Time at that Address
• Previous Address(es) (for last 10 years)
• Home Telephone Number
• Work Telephone Number
• Cellphone Number
• E-mail Address
• Former Name(s)
• Marital Status
• Previous Marriage(s)
• Children (Name/Date of Birth/Are They Living at Home?)

Education Information

• High School Graduate?
• Year of Graduation/Last Grade Completed
• College?
• Year of Graduation
• Graduate School?
• Year of Graduation
• Additional Education History

Employment Information

• Position/Title
• Employer
• Employer’s Address
• Length of Time with Employer
• Previous Employer(s) (for last 10 years)
• Gross Monthly Income from Employment
• Other Income

Information About Arrest

• Date of Arrest
• Time of Arrest
• Location of Arrest
• Date of Alleged Crime
• Location of Alleged Crime
• What was the reason or explanation given for your arrest?
• Did the police have a warrant?
• What crime were you charged with?
• Who arrested you (name and badge number of police officer)?
• Was anyone else present at the time?
• Was your property searched at the time of the arrest?
• Did the police find anything that they kept?
• Were you searched at the time of the arrest?
• Did the police find anything that they kept?
• Were you read your Miranda rights (informing you that you have the right to remain silent, you have the right to an attorney, etc.) at the time of your arrest?
• Did you give or sign any statements? 
• If Yes, do you feel the statement was voluntarily given?
• Were you asked to participate in a line-up at any time?
• Were you fingerprinted or photographed at any time?
• At any time before or after your arrest, did you ask to speak to an attorney?
• If Yes, was one provided to you?
• What was the name of the attorney you spoke to?
• At any time, were you physically threatened or mentally harassed by the police?
• What is your version of the events leading up to and causing your arrest?
• Have you ever been questioned, but not arrested, in connection with a crime?
• Do you have a criminal record?
• Do you have a driver’s license?
• If Yes, what state issued your license?
• If No, have you ever had a driver’s license?
• Do you own any automobiles, motorcycles, or other motorized vehicles?
• Have you ever owned a firearm?
• Are you in good health?
• Explain all current and chronic illnesses, past and future surgeries, and medications you are currently taking, and other relevant health information
• Do you have a history of alcohol or drug abuse?
• Have you ever been treated by a psychologist, psychiatrist, or other mental health care professional?

You should also write down or consider any questions you’d like to ask your attorney.

Make sure to attach a copy of the police report, citations, search warrants, etc., if you have them.

Put These Questions To Use: Contact an Attorney Today

Often, when seeking legal advice and meeting with an attorney to discuss your criminal case, it’s hard to know what information is relevant. Filling out an attorney intake form ahead of time can help. It can make your meetings with your attorney more focused and productive by allowing them to review the information before talking to you. The intake form offers an organized platform to answer your attorney’s questions. Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney in your area.