When a new client contacts me about setting up a meeting, I give them some background on my approach to criminal cases. I tell them that my clients are proactive and must commitment themselves to following my lead, or I will not agree to represent them. I can give them the name and number to plenty of attorneys who will simply walk into court hoping for the best. My clients don't walk in blindly to court - we take a number of steps before we even set foot in court. Jonathan Paul's Proactive Approach to DUI Defense.
Assuming the client is willing to follow my philosophy I tell them to bring a number of items with them. Here is a list of some of the items.
Assuming the client is willing to follow my philosophy I tell them to bring a number of items with them. Here is a list of some of the items.
- The paper driving permit. It will list the arresting officer, the breath test operator, the time of the stop, and other information. A two-page permit may indicate that the client refused the chemical tests and that an implied consent hearing must be requested within 14 days.
- Breath test result sheets. It will list observation time and possible error codes or indications that my client refused a chemical test. If the test results sheet indicates a refusal, we will determine if it was a technical or operator refusal.
- Bond forms. These will often tell us if you have been arraigned as well as the court, court date, judge, and sometimes the charges.
- Ticket. This will give the location and the charge. If there is a ticket, the charge is usually a misdemeanor. If there isn't a ticket, it could indicate that a more serious charge may be pending and that a warrant is being sought.
