“You were just appointed to my case. What do I do?”
If the court appointed us to your case:
Step 1: Complete the new court-appointed client form.
Step 2: Schedule a consultation with your attorney.
Step 3: Begin to gather evidence.
Step 4: Make a list of witnesses.
Step 5: Review the helpful list of Dos and Don’ts.
Step 1: Complete the new client form.
Please provide COMPLETE and ACCURATE contact information.
DO NOT provide any confidential information here.
This is not the time to talk about your case. This is just for your contact info.
Step 2: Schedule a consultation with your attorney ASAP to review your case.
Step 3: Begin to gather evidence.
Think about whether any of the following items may be helpful to your case:
Pictures/Videos
Text Messages
Screenshots
Voice Recordings
Receipts
Video Surveillance
Contracts/Invoices
Bank Statements
List of Prescription Medications
Gather any evidence you may have and bring it to court or send it to us ahead of time through your client portal. You will receive further instructions by email shortly.
DO NOT destroy or tamper with any evidence.
Step 4: Make a list of witnesses.
Make a list of any witnesses you feel may be helpful to your defense.
DO NOT CONTACT THE WITNESSES UNLESS YOUR ATTORNEY ASKS YOU TO DO SO.
Make sure to include names, addresses, and phone numbers if you have that information or can find it without contacting the victim or witness.
Your attorney will tell you how to send him that informations.
Your attorney will discuss whether the witnesses will be needed, and with accurate contact information, subpoena the necessary witnesses to court on your behalf.
Step 5: Review this list of Dos and Don’ts.
If you want the best possible outcome for your case:
✅ DO:
Be honest with your attorney. We can’t defend you properly without all the facts — even the ones that may seem bad. You do not need to be ashamed or embarrassed. Whatever happened already happened. But if you want your attorney to help you navigate through this legal issue, we need to know EVERYTHING.
Keep all appointments and court dates. Show up on time and dress respectfully.
Stay in contact. Keep your attorney updated with current phone numbers and addresses.
Follow legal advice. Your attorney knows the local courts and laws — listen carefully and follow our lead. Please do not hesitate to ask us questions if you don’t understand anything about the process.
Bring documents. Provide your attorney with any paperwork or evidence you receive related to your case.
Stay respectful. Treat your attorney, court staff, and the judge with professionalism and courtesy. It is also very important that you are not disrespectful to the prosecutor, law enforcement, or any alleged victim or witness for you to achieve the best possible outcome. Being rude (rolling your eyes, laughing, etc.) will only hurt your case. The judge will not find it entertaining. Trust us, we’ve seen disrespect tank many cases.
❌ DON’T:
Don’t miss court. Failing to appear can result in a warrant and additional charges. If you will be late or unable to make your court date - FOR ANY REASON AT ALL - you MUST notify your attorney ASAP.
Don’t discuss your case with others. Avoid talking about your case with friends, family, or on social media — it can be used against you. (For an in-depth discussion on this topic, view this video.)
Don’t contact witnesses or victims. Let your attorney handle all communication related to the case (unless instructed otherwise).
Don’t lie or hide information. Surprises in court can hurt your case. Be upfront with your attorney from the start. Your conversations with your attorney are confidential, so you are only hurting yourself if you lie.
Finished?
Sit back and relax!
Give your attorney time to review the paperwork sent by the court and any information you provided above. Your attorney will contact you if any additional information is needed before your meeting.
You are always welcome to contact your attorney if you have any pressing questions or concerns about your case, however; most questions will be answered during your meeting and there is generally no need for you to contact your attorney prior to that unless it is an emergency.