August 14, 2025 | Criminal Defense
Facing criminal charges can be overwhelming, and the unknowns of the legal process only make things more stressful. Your initial consultation with a criminal defense lawyer is designed to give you clarity and direction. Here’s a breakdown of what actually happens during that initial consultation.
The Opening of the Consultation
Most consultations begin with introductions and an explanation of how the meeting will be structured. The attorney will often run a quick conflict-of-interest check to ensure they can represent you. From the start, confidentiality applies. Even if you don’t hire the lawyer, what you share in the consultation is typically confidential.
Sharing Your Side of the Story
The consultation is your chance to explain what happened. You’ll be asked to walk through the events leading to your arrest or charges. The lawyer will listen carefully, often taking notes, and may ask for supporting documents such as citations, police reports, or correspondence you’ve received.
Expect follow-up questions. Attorneys want to understand the timeline of events, how law enforcement handled the situation, and whether any potential witnesses or evidence exist. This process isn’t about judgment—it’s about gathering details that could shape your defense.
Questions from the Attorney
After you’ve shared your story, the attorney will ask targeted questions to clarify important points. These may focus on how the police approached and interacted with you, whether your constitutional rights were respected, what statements you made after your arrest, and the presence of evidence such as video, test results, or witness accounts. This part of the conversation is interactive, with the attorney piecing together the broader picture of your circumstances.
A Preliminary Legal Discussion
Once they’ve gathered enough information, the lawyer will typically discuss your situation and options. This includes explaining the charges or potential charges you face, possible penalties, and the range of defenses that may be available.
Keep in mind, this is not the stage for a fully developed legal strategy. That usually comes later, after the attorney is formally retained and has had the chance to review all available evidence. But you should leave the meeting with a clearer sense of your options and the likely direction of your case.
Understanding Your Rights
A key part of the consultation involves learning about your legal rights. The attorney will explain the protections available to you and how those rights may influence your defense.
For example, you may learn about your right to remain silent, your ability to challenge certain police procedures, or how evidence may be excluded if it was obtained improperly. This discussion often helps clients feel more informed and less powerless in the face of criminal charges.
Talking About Fees and Costs
Every initial consultation should include a discussion of fees. The attorney should explain how they charge and outline any additional expenses you might face. This is also the time for you to ask questions about what services are included and when payments would be expected.
Next Steps if You Move Forward
If you choose to hire the lawyer, the consultation usually ends with an explanation of next steps. This might involve signing a representation agreement, handing over additional documents, or beginning an investigation right away. The attorney will also explain how communication will work: who in the office will be handling your case, how often you’ll receive updates, and the best ways to reach them with questions.
Contact the Dayton Criminal Defense Attorneys at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers for Help Today
An initial legal consultation is more than just a meeting—it’s your chance to understand the charges against you, learn about your rights, and decide if you’ve found the right advocate. You should leave the consultation with greater clarity about your situation, a sense of possible next steps, and a better idea of whether the attorney is the right fit for your case.
If you are facing criminal charges, Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers offers free consultations and we bring more than a century of combined experience to every case. Our team is committed to listening, advising, and guiding you through each stage of the process. Contact our law office today for a free consultation with an experienced Dayton criminal defense lawyer.
For more information, contact the criminal defense attorneys at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers, give us a call today at (937) 531-0435 or visit us at our Dayton Law Office.
Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers – Dayton
130 West Second Street #17-129,
Dayton, OH 45402
(937) 531-0435
