Working with an Attorney
Your Rights & What to Expect
Texas Attorney-Client Relationship
Your criminal defense attorney protects your rights as a citizen. In turn, the courts have upheld that what you tell your attorney is confidential and cannot be divulged.
Here are some general suggestions on how to get the most out of your attorney-client relationship:
Tell your attorney everything that has happened. Do not withhold information.
Be truthful. A surprise for your attorney at the wrong time can hurt your case. What you tell your attorney in confidence is protected by law.
Ask questions. Understand the process and any documents before you sign them.
Review the fees you are expected to pay and when.
Keep your own copies of paperwork that are prepared for you.
Attend meetings and court dates as instructed by your attorney’s office.
Please note: A good attorney's advice may not be what you expect or hope to hear. It is based on all the information at hand: your story, the police report, the prosecutor, judge, and the court your case is assigned to. The advice you receive may also include expectations on how a jury might respond to your case.
How Do You Find a Reputable Attorney
Finding the right attorney is like finding any other professional. Like hiring a doctor, it is good to start with a personal recommendation. When finding an attorney, they should give you a feeling of trust. You should trust that they have the right experience for your case. You should trust that they have your interests at heart. You should trust that they will proceed with all due discretion and confidentiality. The best criminal attorneys in Austin offer an initial consultation .
When considering attorneys, ensure they:
Seem knowledgeable
Answer your questions
Do not present a one-sided contract for you to sign (some contracts detail ways an attorney can stop representing you and still keep the money you paid)
Dealing with Ineffective Counsel
Sometimes going into a relationship works and sometimes it doesn't. Even if you are not satisfied with your lawyer, do your best to salvage the current attorney-client relationship. If your attorney has not returned your calls, it may be because they have been in a long trial. A little communication could turn things back around.
However, if you cannot rectify your Texas attorney-client relationship, the law allows you to fire your attorney and hire another of your choosing.