{"id":352220,"date":"2016-04-04T10:42:14","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:42:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/criminal\/criminal-legal-help\/attorney-intake-form-getting-arrested.html"},"modified":"2025-05-09T11:32:16","modified_gmt":"2025-05-09T16:32:16","slug":"attorney-intake-form-getting-arrested","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-legal-help\/attorney-intake-form-getting-arrested.html","title":{"rendered":"First Meeting With Your Attorney: Intake Questions After Getting Arrested"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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First Meeting With Your Attorney: Intake Questions After Getting Arrested<\/h1>\n
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\n By Lisa Burden, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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An experienced criminal defense lawyer knows criminal law, understands the process, and can protect your rights. For example, there might be violations of your constitutional rights, like a lack of probable cause. A criminal defense lawyer can guide you through stages such as the preliminary hearing.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

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

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.<\/p>\r\n

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.<\/p>\r\n

How an Attorney Can Help Your Criminal Case<\/h2>\r\n

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<\/a> in your criminal case.<\/p>\r\n

Attorneys Will Learn All Relevant Information<\/h3>\r\n

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.<\/p>\r\n

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<\/a> that they saw the weapons used in a crime at your old address.<\/p>\r\n

Attorneys Understand Each Court Date<\/h3>\r\n

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.<\/p>\r\n

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.<\/p>\r\n

Types of Questions Your Attorney May Ask<\/h2>\r\n

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

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<\/a> of you and the length of your imprisonment.<\/p>\r\n

Sample Attorney Questions After Getting Arrested<\/h2>\r\n