Many people who are arrested for a crime are worried that they’ll have to tell the whole truth to their lawyers, even if it’s embarrassing or makes them look bad. Here’s what to be prepared for when you meet with a lawyer after being charged with a criminal offense. 

Not All Attorneys Want to Know Every Detail 

You might assume that because you aren’t at risk of being penalized for anything you tell your lawyer that they want to know everything about your case. Some attorneys may feel that this could create an ethics violation later on and may request you to keep them on a need-to-know basis. 

Before you lay all of your cards out on the table, ask your attorney what their approach is. You don’t want to say something you can’t take back later. 

However, There Are Attorneys That Do  

There are many attorneys that like to take full advantage of attorney-client privilege and ask you to tell them everything you can about the case. What you say to your defense lawyer in confidence cannot be used against you in court, so even if you give them details that could be damaging, you won’t be penalized for this. 

Allow your attorney to offer guidance regarding what you should and shouldn’t say and when. Follow their recommendations to protect your legal rights. 

What Do You Have to Tell Your Lawyer? What Can You Omit? 

Generally, you should let your attorney guide you on what to say and what not to say. If they know you’re guilty because you admitted it to them, they can’t later put you on the stand to testify that you’re innocent. 

They also can’t bring any evidence into court if they know it’s false. With that said, however, attorneys cannot be held responsible for the above if they didn’t actually know whether or not their client was guilty. 

Guilt or not, it might still be worthwhile to go to court. For example, if your rights were violated or you stand a good chance of a case dismissal, your lawyer may recommend you decline a plea deal. 

Why Call a Massachusetts Criminal Defense Attorney Today 

Experienced Massachusetts Criminal Defense lawyer Thomas Kokonowski knows how difficult it can be to face being charged with a crime. Call now for your initial consultation to discuss your case and potential defense strategies at 413-585-9200 (Northampton), 413-549-0022 (Amherst), or 413-737-9700 (Springfield).

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