TL;DR
A focused first consultation saves time and money. Bring paperwork, write a one-paragraph summary of events, list your top three concerns and three questions, and arrive ready to listen as much as talk.
Documents to bring
- Government photo ID.
- All paperwork related to the case: citations, arrest paperwork, court notices, bond paperwork, any letters from prosecutors.
- For DUI: vehicle insurance, the DHSMV suspension paperwork (10-day window!).
- Pay stubs or employer letter if release conditions or fines are likely.
- Treatment, education, or volunteer documentation that supports mitigation.
Write your summary before you arrive
One paragraph, dated, in your own words: what happened, who was there, what was said, what was done. Share it only with your attorney. This becomes part of your privileged file and gives counsel a stable narrative from the start.
List your top concerns
Rank what matters most: license, employment, education, family, record, financial impact, mental health. Use our Defense Priority Analyzer to surface educational discussion topics keyed to your priorities.
Questions to ask any attorney
- What charges am I facing and what does the State have to prove?
- What are realistic best-case and worst-case educational scenarios?
- What are the immediate deadlines (administrative or otherwise)?
- What is your experience with this charge, this court, and this prosecutor’s office?
- What is your fee structure — flat fee, hourly, with trial as separate?
- Who will actually handle my case if I retain you?
- How will we communicate, and how soon will you return my messages?
- What should I do — and not do — between now and the next court date?
What to listen for in the answers
- Honesty over salesmanship. Real attorneys describe ranges, not guarantees.
- Familiarity with the court. Local practice patterns matter.
- A concrete next step. Good counsel ends the meeting with what comes next.
- Comfort with disclosure. You’ll be sharing sensitive details; you must trust the person.
Fee structures, plainly explained
- Flat fee: One price for the case to a defined milestone (often through plea). Trial may be quoted separately.
- Hourly: Billed by time spent. Common for civil but less so for criminal-defense work.
- Hybrid: Flat fee plus separate trial fee if the case goes to trial.
- Retainer: Up-front deposit billed against.
After the consultation
Take 24 hours before retaining. Sleep on the decision. If you do retain, the engagement letter should clearly state scope, fees, communication standards, and what is and is not included.
Common questions
Is the consultation confidential? Yes — attorney-client privilege attaches even if you do not ultimately retain.
Should I interview more than one attorney? If you have time, yes. Fit and clarity matter as much as résumé.
When to consult an attorney
Use our Attorney Consultation Prep tool to generate a printable checklist tailored to your charge type and court stage.
Related guides
Consult a licensed attorney for legal advice.
This website is for informational purposes only and does not provide legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance about your specific situation.
Consult a licensed attorney for legal advice.
This website is for informational purposes only and does not provide legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance about your specific situation.