A DUI charge is a serious threat to your long-term freedom and well-being. While this charge must be taken seriously, you don’t need to succumb to a future of undo punishment or jail time. With the right DUI attorney, you can find yourself in an optimal position to combat undue charges. However, if you’ve never worked with a DUI attorney or an attorney in general, you may be unsure what you should bring or how you should proceed with your first meeting.

At Candela Law Firm, we’re well aware that being informed is key to proceeding comfortably with your case. That’s precisely why we’ve compiled some key information outlining what to bring to your first meeting with a DUI attorney.

What to expect from your first meeting

Before we outline what to bring with you to your initial meeting, let’s discuss what you can expect. Once you’ve identified an attorney you believe to be a good fit for your case, you’ll typically schedule a consultation with them. Your initial meeting will serve a couple of different purposes: for your DUI attorney to understand the charges leveled against you and the circumstances of the incident itself, and for you to ascertain whether the attorney you’re meeting with possesses the experience, reputation, and overall proper demeanor to represent you in court. Remember, this person will be responsible for fighting your case in its entirety—choose wisely!

Typically, your first meeting will begin with questions from your potential DUI attorney about the actual event—including allegations, evidence, and other details of the case against you. No matter what, it’s important to be 100% honest with your attorney. Remember, your lawyer has a legal obligation to protect your privacy and keep any conversations between you two specifically. No matter what you say, your attorney can’t betray their legal duty to protect what you disclose. By being completely upfront with an attorney, you can easily provide them with the information they need to defend you to the very best of their ability.

What should you bring to an initial consultation?

Now, let’s get into what to bring to your initial consultation. When you’re meeting with an attorney for the first time it’s essential to be prepared not only with necessary documentation but emotionally, too. ​​

When meeting with your DUI attorney for the first time, you need to be mentally prepared for going through the motions of your case and the incident itself. Additionally, you’ll need to bring certain documents with you that validate your case, including any court paperwork you have (more specifically, detailed documents that outline the charges against you and your next scheduled court appearance), bail papers, police reports, and any other pieces of documentation you have. Make copies to give to your attorney and hang on to the originals.

Additionally, you should come with a list outlining anyone connected to your case. This includes witnesses, victims, character witnesses, and anyone else relevant to your case. Your DUI attorney will look at this list and potentially use it to help your case.

Overall, bring an open mind to your first meeting. This is a difficult situation for all parties involved, and your DUI attorney is here to help you. Try to answer all questions honestly and authentically and keep an open mind about your case. This attorney should have a tenacious spirit and should be ready to fight for you, look for those characteristics in your meeting.

Reach out to Cabella Law Firm for expert legal assistance!

Cabella Law Firm is a Tampa-based law firm providing legal expertise to its clients. We have expert DUI attorneys on our team extremely prepared to assist you through your legal issues. Check out our areas of expertise and reach out today to get connected with a fierce lawyer ready to advocate for you in court.