Great Advice

Do read this excellent post: How to talk to a lawyer.

I would add a couple of points:

*   Do not ramble on and on that the police did not read you your rights when they arrested you.  Chances are that the police officer was not required to read you your rights.  But do tell your lawyer once that: "The police officer never read me my rights."

*  Don't tell anyone but your lawyer your story, even if it's necessary to protect your reputation or good name.  It doesn't matter if you're as innocent as the Virgin Mary: If convicted, your life is over.  Your reputation will be that, "S/he's a convicted felon."  So instead of sharing the facts that prove your innocence with others, save them for your lawyer, and the jury.  You can worry about repairing your reputation once you walk from court as a free man or woman.

Please add your points in the comments section.

Comments

[Norm Pattis]

And don't waltz into your lawyer's office to tell him:

a. Your rights have been violated. Your lawyer is the lawyer.

b. It is a slam dunk case, all he has to do is read your paper. There is no such case, and you betray yourself to be an arrogant twit, by suggesting this.

[Gideon]

Also, don't say

"If I had a real lawyer, he'd get me off."

[Richard Ames]

And don't dream up conspiracy theories about how the judge selected for your trial and the police officer who arrested you are in cahoots. Yes, judges mess up and police can be dishonest, but the likelihood they're together in a bar someplace discussing how much time you should get is, well, rather unlikely.

[Maren Chaloupka]

Also, kindly resist the urge to ask, "are you working for me or are you working for the DA?" when your lawyer presents you with information regarding the risks of proceeding to trial. It is our job to tell you what the risks are and if we fail do to so, we commit malpractice. You may not like what you hear, but be assured that we are very much working for you when we advise you of the risks of trial.

[Jim]

And for God's Sake DON'T TALK TO THE PRESS!!! They're no more interested in helping you than the police--and yes, they CAN be subpoenaed to testify against you.