Effective legal defense is a two-way street. It requires active and informed participation from both the client and their attorney. If you want your lawyer to help you, you can start by helping them. 

Here are a few suggestions.

  • Communicate Early and Often

Communication is the foundation of a strong attorney-client relationship. Your lawyer needs to know everything about your case, and that means you must communicate clearly and promptly. If your lawyer asks you for information, be sure to respond as quickly as possible. Delays in communication can slow down the legal process and weaken your defense.

Keep your lawyer informed of any new developments, no matter how small they may seem. Whether it's a phone call from a witness, a new piece of evidence, or a change in your personal circumstances, your lawyer needs to know. The more information they have, the better they can prepare your defense.

  • Provide All Relevant Information and Documents

One of the most important ways you can help your lawyer is by providing them with all relevant information and documents related to your case. This includes everything from police reports and medical records to emails and text messages. Even if you think something is not important, it's better to let your lawyer decide.

Gathering documents can be time-consuming, but it's important for building a strong defense. Make sure you provide everything your lawyer requests (and keep it organized). You can do this by clearly labeling files and including dates whenever possible. This will make it easier for your lawyer to review the information and use it to support your case.

  • Be Honest About Everything

Honesty is essential when working with your lawyer. You might be tempted to withhold information that you think could hurt your case, but this can backfire. Your lawyer needs to know the full story – good and bad – so they can prepare an effective defense.

If your lawyer is blindsided by information, it could seriously harm your case. For example, if you omit details about a previous criminal record, and the prosecution brings it up in court, your lawyer won't have time to prepare a response. Being honest from the start allows your lawyer to address potential issues head-on and develop a strategy to minimize their impact.

Remember, your lawyer is on your side, and their job is to defend you. They are bound by attorney-client privilege, which means they cannot disclose anything you tell them without your permission. If you were diligent about hiring the right lawyer from the start, you should feel the freedom to trust them. By entrusting your lawyer with the truth, they can do their job effectively.

  • Follow Your Lawyer's Advice

Your lawyer is an expert and has experience handling cases like yours. When they give you advice, follow it closely. This might include attending court hearings, avoiding certain behaviors, or providing additional information. Ignoring your lawyer's advice can weaken your defense and make it more difficult for them to represent you effectively.

If you aren't sure about something your lawyer has advised, ask questions. A good lawyer will take the time to explain things clearly and make sure you're comfortable with the strategy.

  • Maintain Professionalism

Throughout your case, it's important to maintain professionalism in how you interact with your lawyer, the court, and anyone else involved in the process. This means showing up on time for meetings and court appearances, dressing appropriately, and speaking respectfully to everyone involved.

Professionalism also extends to how you handle yourself outside of court. Avoid making public statements about your case, especially on social media. Anything you say can be used against you in court, so it's best to keep a low profile until your case is resolved.

Your behavior can influence how your case is perceived by the court, so make sure to demonstrate that you're taking the situation seriously.

  • Be Patient and Trust the Process

Legal cases can be long and complicated, and it's totally natural to feel anxious or impatient at times. However, it's important to be patient and trust the process. Your lawyer is working hard to defend you, but things don't always move quickly in the legal system. Avoid putting pressure on your lawyer to rush through your case. Instead, focus on providing the support they need to do their job effectively. 

Adding it All Up

As a client, you have a fine line to walk. You want to trust your attorney with your case, while also providing necessary support and cooperation to help them do their job well. Likewise, you also want to avoid stepping on toes and becoming a hindrance to your attorney. 

With all of that being said, the best thing you can do is ask your attorney how you can be most helpful. They'll give you some ideas – most of which will mirror what we've discussed above!