You may have found yourself in a bit of trouble lately. Maybe you’ve been arrested or accused of a crime. Maybe you’re the faulty party in an accident. It could be that you’ve lost your job for a reason you are disputing.
Whatever has caused you to be in this spot of trouble, you are probably feeling anxious, worried, and fearful of what could happen.
For this reason, it’s smart that you have hired an attorney and are preparing to meet with them. Wondering what document to have for your first meeting? Worried about making sure the attorney has everything he might need to help you win your case?
Read on to learn about the list of possible documents to have when you have your first meeting with your Fairfax County attorney.
1. Arrest Record
When arrested, the police began a document while they were booking you. This will give information about the circumstances of your arrest. It will also shed some light on how the police are viewing the suspected crime.
This arrest record will provide your attorney with official information like the date, day, and time of the crime and the related arrest. It should also information about other parties who may have been present at the time.
2. Police File
Once booked and the arrest record became official, the police also started what is called the police file for the arrest. This is a file that holds all the information related to the arrest.
The file will hold information like:
- Photographs
- Maps
- Notes from interview
- Evidence logs
- Other information uncovered in the investigation
You and your attorney have the right to the information in this file. It will help your attorney to understand and defend your case.
3. Court Documents
If you have been served with any papers or have documents for any filings related to your case, your attorney will want to see these.
You may receive these when you appeared before a judge at the time of the arrest. You might also have had them sent to you following any court appearances.
4. Information Related to Criminal History
Because your previous history can impact your current case, your attorney will want to see any legal papers related to your criminal history.
Have you been arrested before? Have you ever served jail time before? Do you have a crime on your record?
If the crimes are at all related, anything in your past can impact the current charges. Bring along any information you have related to your past.
5. Bail Papers
If you were held in jail and then released on bail, there should be official paperwork related to the bail.
Did you pay your own bail? Did you use a bail bondsman? The information on the bail paperwork will show exactly the crime and what amount was expected for your release.
6. Witness Information
Since you were at the scene of the suspected crime, you may have information about witnesses that could help your case.
Bring along any names and contact information for witnesses that could help your case.
Your attorney will want to talk to any potential witnesses before appearing in court with them. The attorney may be able to get information from them and better understand what happened by talking with them.
7. Communication Records
There may be others involved in the criminal case. Maybe someone is accusing you of a crime.
If you have any record of communication with anyone who is in any way related to the case you want to bring copies along of communication between you and them.
These records might be in the form of text messages, emails, or handwritten notes. If you have phone messages you should save them.
Any communication from others as it pertains to the case may be helpful for your attorney to use in defending you against the charges.
8. Proof of Alibi
Now, this only works if you actually have a legitimate alibi. You don’t want to lie or make something up.
But it has happened where someone is accused of a crime they didn’t commit and they can prove it because they have an alibi proving they couldn’t have been at the scene of a crime.
Were you with another person while the crime was happening? Do you have a witness that can corroborate your whereabouts during the crime?
9. Motor Vehicle Records
If you are accused of a crime that is connected to your car or vehicle, your attorney will want copies of your motor vehicle records. If you have been accused of reckless driving or a DUI, your vehicle records will matter.
Official information about your vehicle may help in defending your crime.
10. List of Questions
Certainly, you are worried, nervous, and anxious. These feelings may become more exaggerated as you go over the details with your attorney.
You may feel emotional and overwhelmed. These are times when many people don’t think straight.
Think through your case on your own. Take the time ahead of when you will meet with your attorney and write out your questions.
Then when you get there and start to feel overwhelmed, you won’t forget the questions you have. It will also help to use the time efficiently while you are with your attorney.
11. Contracts, Company Policies, Personnel File
If you have a contract with your employer, your attorney might want to read your contract to see how your arrest might impact your employment. Some employers have morality clauses in the contract.
If you are in an employer-related dispute, company policies and a copy of your personnel file will be helpful for the attorney to understand the expectations of your employment and how it relates to your current dispute.
Meeting With Your Attorney and the Documents to Have With You
Finding the best Fairfax County legal counsel is important to protect your rights and interests in court. You want to provide your attorney with as much information as possible so he can build a strong case on your behalf.
Make sure you know what documents to have when you meet with your Fairfax attorney so you can build a solid defense.
If you have found yourself in some trouble and are looking for legal advice, we can help. Contact us today to set up an appointment so we can get to work on your case right away.