After being arrested, you may be worried that you’ll have to tell your defense attorney everything about what happened for them to be able to effectively represent you. However, this may not be the case. Here’s what you should know. 

Some Attorneys Don’t Want to Know the Whole Story 

While attorney-client privilege protects you from consequences should you tell your attorney the whole truth, this may not necessarily be the best course of action. Depending on your case, your lawyer may want you to keep some things under wraps, like specific details of alleged events, so they can avoid culpability themselves. 

Other Lawyers Would Rather Avoid Surprises 

Alternatively, some attorneys want all the information they can get their hands on so they aren’t surprised by any new information months into your defense or worse, in the courtroom. 

During your initial consultation with your legal representation, ask what approach they prefer. Do your best to stay within the guidelines set by your attorney, if any. If your lawyer wants as many details as you are willing to discuss, go ahead and let them know everything, even if you think it gives the prosecution a slam-dunk case against you. 

Understand What Your Attorney Can’t Do & What They Have the Responsibility to Do  

If your lawyer knows that you’re guilty of a crime due to your own admission, they cannot allow you to testify to a different version of events and cannot offer evidence that supports an untrue narrative. This is often why attorneys don’t want to know for sure whether or not “you did it.” If they genuinely have no knowledge of whether or not you’re actually guilty, these standards do not apply.

If you are guilty, you may still benefit from going to trial. If the prosecutors in your case refused to offer you a fair plea deal or otherwise negated your rights during their arrest and investigation, your attorney may be able to argue for the dismissal of your case based on these merits alone. 

Were You Arrested For a Crime? Get the Zealous Legal Defense You Need Today 

By retaining a criminal defense lawyer quickly after your arrest, you can increase your chances of receiving a successful verdict. Your reputation and rights are at stake and you can’t afford to wait. Contact Britt Criminal Defense today to get help from an experienced Maryland criminal defense attorney by calling 443-944-5705.