Documents Your Lawyer Will Need if You Are Arrested

If you have been arrested for a crime, your defense attorney will need to know all about your case to build a solid defense strategy. In addition to hearing your side of the story, your attorney will want to see any documents related to the facts of the case. Some of these documents may be in your possession. Other documents might be in someone else’s possession, like other people, the court, or the government.

Below is a checklist of some of the documents you should collect when you prepare to meet with a criminal defense lawyer for the first time. This information applies regardless of whether you are working with a private attorney, legal aid, or a public defender. A lawyer can give you sound legal advice on the evidence you need in a criminal court case.

What To Bring To A First Meeting With A Criminal Lawyer

Evidence in a criminal defense case can help your lawyer build a strong legal defense. Relevant evidence is any information that tends to make a fact more or less probable. When you meet with your criminal defense lawyer, you should provide them with any information that can help them with your case.

The Arrest Record

After getting arrested, there will be an arrest record. One of these will be a written police report from the law enforcement officers. Your attorney will want a copy of the arrest documents so they can review the date, time, and place of your arrest. The report will provide information about the suspected crime, alleged victims, arrest warrant, probable cause, and other information.

The Police Files

The police may have created a file on you during their investigation. A police investigation could contain photographs, maps, notes from interviews with the police officer, evidence logs, and other information uncovered in the investigation. In the U.S. criminal justice system, your attorney is entitled to see a complete copy of the police file so they can defend you. In other words, your lawyer needs any evidence that the police have.

Do You Have a Criminal Record?

If you’ve ever been arrested before, your lawyer will want to know about the details of your criminal record. This includes prior misdemeanors or felony cases. Your lawyer can get a copy of your criminal record from the county or state law enforcement agencies.

Your criminal record will show any previous arrests and crimes that have gone through the arraignment process. A record can also show whether there was a jury trial verdict or guilty plea related to those criminal charges. The criminal record can also show any jail or prison time you received for those crimes. This record may also include information about past probation or parole, and you may need to get records from your probation officer if you have one.

Your Motor Vehicle Records

If you’re charged with a criminal offense that deals in any way with a car, your lawyer may want a copy of your motor vehicle records. For example, motor vehicle charges may include drunk driving or leaving the scene of a car accident.

Your Medical Records

Your medical records may be relevant in some criminal law cases. For example, your arrest record states that the police chased you for 10 blocks before they could capture you. But your medical records show that you have a leg injury that limits your mobility. Your lawyer may want those records to dispute the officer’s account of the arrest.

Information About Witnesses

If you believe there were witnesses that could help your case, you should provide your lawyer with their information. This includes their names, phone numbers, and addresses. If you do not know their names, at least provide your lawyer with any information you know, like a physical description and location.

Do You Have an Alibi?

If you claim to have an alibi for your whereabouts at the time of the alleged crime, you should provide your lawyer with the name and contact information of anyone who can confirm that alibi. This may be crucial evidence in supporting, or rejecting, the defense in your criminal case.

Get More Information From a Criminal Defense Attorney

If you are facing a criminal charge, it’s important to make sure that you see an experienced criminal defense lawyer as early as possible in your case. Getting documents for your lawyer will allow them to get a jump start on your case that could lead to the best outcome possible. Strong evidence can help get your charges dismissed or get a better plea bargain offer.