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12 Dec, 2024 by Katie payette
Andrew is the guy. He was phenomenal, and pleasant to work with. He helped me every step of the way and made the process easy and stress-free. Affordable, efficient, and truly cares. I cannot recommend him enough!
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11 Oct, 2024 by Maaliyah brooks
Andrew Poole represented me very well he cares and he’s not just out for your money. I’m beyond satisfied and grateful for his service and I highly recommend!
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08 Jul, 2024 by David hoskins
Andrew has affordable rates and multiple payment methods. He bases his rates on a case by case basis. Andrew took my case after a free consultation. He helped me beat my traffic ticket that I received for an alleged traffic violation. At the start of the case he filed everything right away with the courts and got the ball rolling for discovery as well as getting a hearing date set up. At the preliminary hearing Andrew got me a deal from the prosecutor off the bat for a cfd which I accepted because he said that’s like a slam dunk and the case is over. He refunded back half of the money I had paid him since we didn’t make it to trial. Andrew Poole and his law firm were easy to work with and stayed in contact every step of the way during my whole case. I do highly recommend him and his firm for your lawyer needs.
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22 Sep, 2024 by Mikayla w
Where to even start, I just want to scream THANK YOU to Katie for everything you’ve done for my life and my family. Because of you I am able to finally rebuild a relationship with my son again. For that I am forever grateful. Katie is by far THE best family attorney in Duluth, she actually cares about the people she works with. She treats me like a human and not just a “client” She has went way above and beyond for me as her client and that is a trait you don’t find often in attorneys. Honestly, I suggest you book her now before the prices go up because I promise you one day Schwandt Law will be the biggest firm in Duluth Minnesota. 💯
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19 Sep, 2024 by Jacob
I can't say enough good things about Alexander M. Landreville. He helped me through one of the most challenging times in my life – my child custody case. Thanks to his hard work and expertise, my ex-wife and I were able to come to an agreement through mediation, and now, I have the incredible opportunity to see my son regularly. Alexander M. Landreville was always professional, compassionate, and available to answer any questions. His knowledge of family law is top-notch, and he fought for my rights every step of the way. I am forever grateful to him for giving me the chance to rebuild my relationship with my son. I highly recommend him to anyone facing a family law battle!
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20 May, 2024 by Pamela r k ardis
As an attendee of a course on conciliation (25 April '24) led by Katie Schwandt, I came away extremely happy with not only the amount of ground she covered in a short period of time, but also the way she made time to make certain the material was helpful as well as understood. She was obviously enthusiastic about her subject and made potentially difficult to understand legal material very approachable. Highly recommend reaching out to her. Thanks so much Katie.
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24 Oct, 2024 by Eve utyro
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21 Oct, 2024 by Grayson gray
Worst attorney ever! Don't pay for his services or if assigned to your case, do it yourself, odds are much better. "Sit and look calm" is the only defense he used and we were laughed out of court despite everything I sent him prior to trial to prepare. I kept having to correct him on the facts listed on court documentation and he just couldn't wrap his head around dates of service. I was completely embarrassed having him as my attorney. UPDATE: And after an accurate yet horrible review for you, you want to talk about my case. Excuse me, what part did I get wrong? None of it. Its been 3 weeks and you never called, until I posted what a God awful attorney you actually are and now you call. You can't fix what you did. I have to live with your complete inaction. The 3 phone calls during trial to ask if you were going to submit all the evidence in rebuttal? You did nothing! Absolutely nothing. I thought you were drunk in court. You just sat there. Nothing. So no, theres no need to talk so stop calling. I guess we both have to live with the consequences of your half a$$ job now.
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11 Oct, 2024 by Jeremy duban
This law firm is amazing. Drew was always very helpful and answered any questions I had the entire time. He always explained everything throughout the entire process. I highly recommended them and would call again. Thank you Drew and to your staff. Everyone I talked with was very helpful.
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24 Oct, 2024 by Eve utyro
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21 Oct, 2024 by Grayson gray
Worst attorney ever! Don't pay for his services or if assigned to your case, do it yourself, odds are much better. "Sit and look calm" is the only defense he used and we were laughed out of court despite everything I sent him prior to trial to prepare. I kept having to correct him on the facts listed on court documentation and he just couldn't wrap his head around dates of service. I was completely embarrassed having him as my attorney. UPDATE: And after an accurate yet horrible review for you, you want to talk about my case. Excuse me, what part did I get wrong? None of it. Its been 3 weeks and you never called, until I posted what a God awful attorney you actually are and now you call. You can't fix what you did. I have to live with your complete inaction. The 3 phone calls during trial to ask if you were going to submit all the evidence in rebuttal? You did nothing! Absolutely nothing. I thought you were drunk in court. You just sat there. Nothing. So no, theres no need to talk so stop calling. I guess we both have to live with the consequences of your half a$$ job now.
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11 Oct, 2024 by Jeremy duban
This law firm is amazing. Drew was always very helpful and answered any questions I had the entire time. He always explained everything throughout the entire process. I highly recommended them and would call again. Thank you Drew and to your staff. Everyone I talked with was very helpful.
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24 Oct, 2024 by Eve utyro
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21 Oct, 2024 by Grayson gray
Worst attorney ever! Don't pay for his services or if assigned to your case, do it yourself, odds are much better. "Sit and look calm" is the only defense he used and we were laughed out of court despite everything I sent him prior to trial to prepare. I kept having to correct him on the facts listed on court documentation and he just couldn't wrap his head around dates of service. I was completely embarrassed having him as my attorney. UPDATE: And after an accurate yet horrible review for you, you want to talk about my case. Excuse me, what part did I get wrong? None of it. Its been 3 weeks and you never called, until I posted what a God awful attorney you actually are and now you call. You can't fix what you did. I have to live with your complete inaction. The 3 phone calls during trial to ask if you were going to submit all the evidence in rebuttal? You did nothing! Absolutely nothing. I thought you were drunk in court. You just sat there. Nothing. So no, theres no need to talk so stop calling. I guess we both have to live with the consequences of your half a$$ job now.
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11 Oct, 2024 by Jeremy duban
This law firm is amazing. Drew was always very helpful and answered any questions I had the entire time. He always explained everything throughout the entire process. I highly recommended them and would call again. Thank you Drew and to your staff. Everyone I talked with was very helpful.
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12 Dec, 2024 by Katie payette
Andrew is the guy. He was phenomenal, and pleasant to work with. He helped me every step of the way and made the process easy and stress-free. Affordable, efficient, and truly cares. I cannot recommend him enough!
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11 Oct, 2024 by Maaliyah brooks
Andrew Poole represented me very well he cares and he’s not just out for your money. I’m beyond satisfied and grateful for his service and I highly recommend!
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19 Jun, 2024 by Brian anderson
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05 Dec, 2024 by Tank cole
Friendly, helpful, and quick to respond with any questions or concerns. The staff helps you feel confident and comfortable.
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25 Nov, 2024 by Lee anne auerhan
Excellent experience. Ms Novak is very friendly, knowledgeable. She did a great job making sure my estate plan was updated to my requests. Erin and Ruth also do a great job. I would recommend this business without hesitation.
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23 Oct, 2024 by Dale etter jr
I went through a few years of extreme hardships and they helped me fix my problems with professional and compassionate guidance. I highly recommend to get in contact with them if you're in need of help and seriously you won't be disappointed. I would also like to say a special thank you to Heidi for all of her help!
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24 Oct, 2024 by Eve utyro
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21 Oct, 2024 by Grayson gray
Worst attorney ever! Don't pay for his services or if assigned to your case, do it yourself, odds are much better. "Sit and look calm" is the only defense he used and we were laughed out of court despite everything I sent him prior to trial to prepare. I kept having to correct him on the facts listed on court documentation and he just couldn't wrap his head around dates of service. I was completely embarrassed having him as my attorney. UPDATE: And after an accurate yet horrible review for you, you want to talk about my case. Excuse me, what part did I get wrong? None of it. Its been 3 weeks and you never called, until I posted what a God awful attorney you actually are and now you call. You can't fix what you did. I have to live with your complete inaction. The 3 phone calls during trial to ask if you were going to submit all the evidence in rebuttal? You did nothing! Absolutely nothing. I thought you were drunk in court. You just sat there. Nothing. So no, theres no need to talk so stop calling. I guess we both have to live with the consequences of your half a$$ job now.
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11 Oct, 2024 by Jeremy duban
This law firm is amazing. Drew was always very helpful and answered any questions I had the entire time. He always explained everything throughout the entire process. I highly recommended them and would call again. Thank you Drew and to your staff. Everyone I talked with was very helpful.
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24 Oct, 2024 by Eve utyro
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21 Oct, 2024 by Grayson gray
Worst attorney ever! Don't pay for his services or if assigned to your case, do it yourself, odds are much better. "Sit and look calm" is the only defense he used and we were laughed out of court despite everything I sent him prior to trial to prepare. I kept having to correct him on the facts listed on court documentation and he just couldn't wrap his head around dates of service. I was completely embarrassed having him as my attorney. UPDATE: And after an accurate yet horrible review for you, you want to talk about my case. Excuse me, what part did I get wrong? None of it. Its been 3 weeks and you never called, until I posted what a God awful attorney you actually are and now you call. You can't fix what you did. I have to live with your complete inaction. The 3 phone calls during trial to ask if you were going to submit all the evidence in rebuttal? You did nothing! Absolutely nothing. I thought you were drunk in court. You just sat there. Nothing. So no, theres no need to talk so stop calling. I guess we both have to live with the consequences of your half a$$ job now.
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11 Oct, 2024 by Jeremy duban
This law firm is amazing. Drew was always very helpful and answered any questions I had the entire time. He always explained everything throughout the entire process. I highly recommended them and would call again. Thank you Drew and to your staff. Everyone I talked with was very helpful.
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24 Oct, 2024 by Eve utyro
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21 Oct, 2024 by Grayson gray
Worst attorney ever! Don't pay for his services or if assigned to your case, do it yourself, odds are much better. "Sit and look calm" is the only defense he used and we were laughed out of court despite everything I sent him prior to trial to prepare. I kept having to correct him on the facts listed on court documentation and he just couldn't wrap his head around dates of service. I was completely embarrassed having him as my attorney. UPDATE: And after an accurate yet horrible review for you, you want to talk about my case. Excuse me, what part did I get wrong? None of it. Its been 3 weeks and you never called, until I posted what a God awful attorney you actually are and now you call. You can't fix what you did. I have to live with your complete inaction. The 3 phone calls during trial to ask if you were going to submit all the evidence in rebuttal? You did nothing! Absolutely nothing. I thought you were drunk in court. You just sat there. Nothing. So no, theres no need to talk so stop calling. I guess we both have to live with the consequences of your half a$$ job now.
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11 Oct, 2024 by Jeremy duban
This law firm is amazing. Drew was always very helpful and answered any questions I had the entire time. He always explained everything throughout the entire process. I highly recommended them and would call again. Thank you Drew and to your staff. Everyone I talked with was very helpful.
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27 Mar, 2023 by Nicole
Didn't even look through discovery, told my husband to take a plea of 6 years prison & 6 years parole. For some weed.$15,000 to look at case &wanted another $15,000 to go to trial . Wouldn't look at any of the supposed warrants , all our assets got taken based off a phone that was later suppressed because of no warrant . No thanks to him or that other arrogant guy he works with . Would not recommend, waste of money & time .
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15 Aug, 2018 by John
Doctors are often credited with saving lives but in my case it was Mr. Long who saved mine. Mikkel's non-judgemental,relaxed,empathetic nature made working with him an excellent experience and the outcome was so much better than I expected. Hopefully you'll never need his help but if you do then know that you are in good hands.
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10 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
He is confident and isn't pushy like a sales person. He is worth every dollar. His price more than most in area but you get what you pay for. Most lawyers will charge you right up front without seeing discovery and police report he recommended I get it first before he quoted me a price. He is not a lawyer to just to try to get you a plea bargain his goal is to beat the case altogether. I had a lot of anxiety and was calling him frequently even before I retained him and he returned all my calls and was curteous even know I was being extreme. I truly believe he looks out for the best interest of his clients
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10 Apr, 2019 by Kathy
Shawn was engaged to determine if a real estate company was negligent in their handling of a sale transaction. Promised action within one month. He was given all documentation necessary to pursue the case but, despite promises, did not return phone calls and took no action on the case. We asked for all information/documents to be returned so we could engage another attorney and he had nothing to say/no excuses for doing absolutely nothing. Would never recommend....waste of our time.
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12 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
Mr. Reed drafted a purchase agreement and a gift of equity letter when my husband and I bought our home. He was very professional but also approachable; he treated all our questions as important, even though I'm sure some were pretty basic. His legal knowledge was impressive, as were the legal documents. He completed the work quickly and charged a very reasonable rate. We saved time and the costs of having a realtor; in fact, it was better to have Mr. Reed involved in the sale than a realtor because he knew the law and could answer all our questions and concerns - reliably. I definitely will hire him again if I need legal assistance in the future and I highly recommend him to my friends and family.
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18 Jun, 2021 by Anonymous
I caught a case about 8 months ago and with in that time I've spoke to gerald 1 time even after numerous calls to his office. He's made multiple promises even in front of the judge and has not followed through deffinently would not recommend him
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21 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous
Later having a very bad experience with a previous attorney, I was scared to get too invested in any after that mess. But Gerald has far surpassed my expectations. He always goes above and beyond to make sure that I am represented as best as possible and to make sure that I have had nothing but fairness in and out of the court room. Gerald is hungry, and eager to do all in his power to help his clients. he has even met with me on weekends as to not interrupt my work schedule. I am very thankful to have him on my side. One of my favorite things about him is that he is a real person. He is funny and not a stuffy, stiff attorney with absolutely no persona which helps to make the whole ordeal of dealing with court a lot less stressful. I would recommend him to anyone in need of an attorney. Have a consultation with him and you will see that while he hasn't been practicing for a long time, he has everything to be one of the highest ranked attorneys in just a matter of time.
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04 Oct, 2024 by Amy
I reached out to Beaumier Trogdon Orman Hurd & Viegas, Attorneys at Law, PLLP, through the MN State Bar Association website for assistance with a post-divorce child custody matter. The gentleman who answered the phone was professional, attentive, and helpful. As promised, I received a call from Attorney Jeremy Hurd the next day. He exhibited a thoughtful blend of compassion and legal expertise, and I truly appreciated the professionalism, knowledge, and advice he provided.
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16 Apr, 2024 by Nate mitchell
I hired one of the partners. Awful and incompetent. Recommendation given to judge was not possible under statute and was essentially thrown out. Waste of money. Biased. Don’t hire
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10 Mar, 2024 by Melisa mauricio
Matt Beaumier and his team are so kind and helpful. They truly care about the clients. They answered all my questions and concerns with care. I couldn’t have made it through my custody case without them. I highly recommend them.
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FAQs
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What a Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Do for You

A criminal defense lawyer provides legal representation to individuals or organizations accused of criminal conduct. If you're facing criminal charges, a defense lawyer will work to protect your rights, build a defense strategy, and ensure you receive a fair trial. Their primary goal is to reduce or dismiss charges, secure an acquittal, or negotiate a favorable plea deal.

Criminal defense lawyers have extensive knowledge of criminal law and court procedures. They investigate your case, identify weaknesses in the prosecution's evidence, and represent you in court, ensuring that you have the best possible defense.

When Should I Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

It’s crucial to hire a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible if you are facing any criminal charges. Some situations in which you should seek legal representation include:

  • Arrest or police questioning: If you've been arrested or are under investigation, hiring a lawyer early on can prevent self-incrimination and protect your rights during police questioning.
  • Felony charges: Crimes such as murder, assault, drug trafficking, or robbery carry severe penalties, including long prison sentences. A defense lawyer is essential in these cases.
  • Misdemeanor charges: Even for less serious offenses like DUI, theft, or simple assault, a lawyer can help reduce penalties, negotiate alternatives to jail, or get charges dismissed.
  • Plea negotiations: If you’re considering a plea bargain, a lawyer can evaluate the deal, advise you on its consequences, and negotiate for more favorable terms.
  • Probation or parole violations: If you’ve been accused of violating probation or parole, a lawyer can defend you against additional penalties or revocation.
  • Juvenile offenses: For minors charged with criminal acts, a criminal defense lawyer can protect their future by minimizing legal repercussions or keeping the case in juvenile court.

What Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Do?

Criminal defense lawyers provide comprehensive legal services to protect their clients’ rights throughout the criminal justice process. Their duties include:

  • Case evaluation and investigation: Reviewing the evidence, interviewing witnesses, and investigating the facts to develop a strong defense strategy.
  • Legal advice: Advising you on your rights, the charges you’re facing, and potential defense strategies, including whether to take a plea deal or go to trial.
  • Negotiating plea bargains: Working with prosecutors to negotiate a plea deal that could reduce charges or minimize penalties.
  • Court representation: Representing you in all court hearings, including bail hearings, pretrial motions, trials, and sentencing hearings.
  • Filing motions: Filing motions to dismiss charges, suppress evidence, or reduce bail, depending on the specifics of your case.
  • Trial preparation and defense: Preparing a defense strategy and presenting arguments, evidence, and witnesses during trial to contest the prosecution's case.
  • Appeals: If you are convicted, a defense lawyer can appeal the conviction or sentence, arguing errors in the trial process or legal rulings.

How Are Criminal Defense Lawyers Paid?

Criminal defense lawyers generally charge clients in one of three ways, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience. Payment structures include:

  • Flat fee: For straightforward cases (e.g., minor misdemeanors), some lawyers charge a one-time flat fee that covers all aspects of the defense.
  • Hourly rate: For more complex or ongoing cases, lawyers may charge by the hour, with rates varying based on the lawyer’s experience and geographic location.
  • Retainer fee: In cases where extensive work is expected, the client may pay a retainer fee upfront. The lawyer then bills against that retainer for their work on the case.

The cost of criminal defense services can vary greatly, so it’s important to discuss fees during your initial consultation.

How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a criminal defense lawyer depends on several factors, including the severity of the charges, the complexity of the case, and the lawyer’s experience. General cost guidelines are:

  • Misdemeanor cases: For relatively minor offenses, such as a DUI or petty theft, a flat fee may range from $1,500 to $5,000.
  • Felony cases: More serious charges, such as assault or drug trafficking, can range from $10,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on the complexity and duration of the case.
  • Hourly rates: For cases billed by the hour, lawyers may charge anywhere from $150 to $500 or more per hour, depending on their expertise and the case's location.
  • Additional expenses: You may also be responsible for other costs, such as filing fees, expert witness fees, or the cost of private investigators.

Be sure to clarify the lawyer’s fee structure and any potential additional costs during your consultation.

Top Questions to Ask a Criminal Defense Lawyer

Before hiring a criminal defense lawyer, you’ll want to ensure that they’re a good fit for your case. Here are key questions to ask:

  1. What is your experience with cases like mine?
    Make sure the lawyer has a strong track record with the specific type of criminal charges you’re facing, whether it’s DUI, drug offenses, or violent crimes.
  2. What is your fee structure?
    Ask how the lawyer charges for their services and whether you’ll be responsible for any additional costs.
  3. What are the potential outcomes of my case?
    A good lawyer should provide an honest assessment of your case and the likelihood of dismissal, a plea bargain, or conviction.
  4. How many cases have you taken to trial?
    While many criminal cases settle with a plea deal, it’s important to hire a lawyer with courtroom experience in case your case goes to trial.
  5. Who will handle my case?
    Ask if the lawyer will be personally involved or if other attorneys in the firm will handle most of the work.
  6. How do you communicate with your clients?
    Be clear on how often and through what channels you can expect updates on your case.

How to Check the Credibility of a Criminal Defense Lawyer

To verify the credibility of a criminal defense lawyer, take the following steps:

  • Check their standing with the state bar: Confirm that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing with your state’s bar association. Look for any past disciplinary actions or complaints.
  • Read online reviews and testimonials: Platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google can provide insights from previous clients about the lawyer’s communication, professionalism, and case outcomes.
  • Ask for references: A reputable lawyer should have past clients or other professionals who can speak to their competence and work ethic.
  • Review their case history: Look at the lawyer’s website or professional profile to see their experience with criminal cases, including high-profile or complex cases.
  • Look for trial experience: If your case might go to trial, make sure the lawyer has a strong history of courtroom advocacy and success.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To make the most of your first consultation with a criminal defense lawyer, bring the following:

  • Details of your case: Be prepared to provide a detailed account of the charges against you, including any documents related to your arrest, police reports, and court dates.
  • Criminal history: If you have any prior criminal convictions, inform your lawyer so they can understand how that may affect your current case.
  • List of witnesses or evidence: If there are any potential witnesses or evidence that may support your defense, share this information during the consultation.
  • Questions for the lawyer: Prepare questions about their experience, legal strategy, and fees to ensure you understand how they will handle your case.
  • Bail or release documents: If you’ve been released on bail, bring any paperwork related to your release conditions or restrictions.

By being well-prepared, you can help your lawyer quickly assess your situation and begin building an effective defense strategy.

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