What to expect during an initial consultation with Amanda Bynum

First, attorney-client privilege is important to understand. Attorney client privilege applies to initial consultations. Attorney-client privilege means that communications between lawyers and clients are confidential. This means that I cannot divulge my clients' secrets, nor may others force me to. The purpose of the privilege is to encourage clients to openly share information with their lawyers and to let lawyers provide effective representation. Thus, it is important that you are truthful with me during our conversations so that I am not surprised by any evidence and can provide the best representation possible.

Second, understand the role of a defense attorney. A defense attorney will collect and review the evidence against you, compare it with the laws in which you are charged, and examine how courts have ruled in factually similar cases. My role is first, to explain the law and the consequences to you and then to advocate for the best possible outcome given the case assessment. This might include challenging the lawfulness of the evidence against you—for example, if it was collected in violation of your 4th or 6th Amendment. Representation might include advocating for a dismissal if the factual allegations are insufficient, or advocating on your behalf at a trial. Or, if the facts and law are strong against you, my role may be to help negotiate for the best possible outcome given the circumstances.

You should bring copies of all of the paperwork you were given by law enforcement officers. You can also text message a photo or email me before our meeting.

During the initial consultation, we will talk about the following things:

1. The charges you are facing.

2. The court in which you will need to appear.

3. Upcoming court dates.

4. Basic information about your arrest and the allegations against you.

5. Exculpatory evidence (if any).

6. Information about you outside of this circumstance including you background, job, family support, mental or physical health issues, and any other mitigating or aggravating circumstances.

7. Your biggest concerns—these might include jail, fines, felony or misdemeanor conviction, collateral consequences, etc.

After discussing the above, I will provide an assessment of the case with available information, and advise about how I can help including setting realistic expectations. Criminal cases, by their very nature, are unpredictable. No attorney can make guarantees, at the outset of representation with respect to the outcomes or final dispositions of such matters.

We will discuss the fees required for me to undertake representation. Fees for legal representation are based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to: experience, reputation, specialized training, and ingenuity expended by the Attorney, skills, and planning used, the responsibility imposed by the matter and/or charges, novelty and difficulty of issues, other employment or cases that are precluded by this representation, customary fees for similar services, time limitations imposed, the nature and length of the relationship with Client, and the ability brought to bear on performing the services for Client.  

If you want to proceed, you will sign a legal services agreement & pay the retainer.

Finally, we will discuss expectations going forward, including the preferred method of communication.