Facing criminal charges in Michigan can be overwhelming. A successful outcome in your case depends not just on your criminal defense lawyer’s skill but also on your actions and cooperation. Here are some things you can do to help your attorney build a strong defense.
1. Keep Your Contact Information Updated
When you hire a criminal defense attorney, they will give you a business card with their office location, phone number, and email address. You should save this information and keep it handy in the event you need to contact them. If your contact information changes, tell your attorney immediately. Also, provide your attorney’s contact information to your family and close friends in case of emergency. A good way to do this is by sending them an email so that it is in writing for future reference. You should update your attorney when any of the following changes occur:
- Phone numbers
- Email addresses
- Mailing Addresses
Michigan criminal cases can move quickly. If your attorney cannot contact you within a reasonable timeframe, we cannot provide you with critical updates regarding court dates, legal deadlines, trial strategy or plea offers. Missed communications from your attorney can have serious consequences for your case, including bench warrants or missed opportunities.
2. Be Honest With Your Attorney
Michigan recognizes the attorney-client privilege, which means anything you tell your lawyer cannot be shared without your permission. The only exception to this rule is if you inform your attorney that you intend to commit a violent crime against another person or if you are using your attorney’s services to commit a financial crime or fraud. The purpose of this privilege is so that you can be completely honest with your lawyer, which will assist them in defending you. However, if you tell your defense lawyer that you did something wrong, the lawyer cannot allow you to lie about that if you testify.
When you withhold information or mislead your attorney, you only hurt your case. Providing your attorney with all the necessary information ensures that they are well-prepared if the prosecution brings up that information in court. Your best chance of a favorable outcome begins with telling your attorney the truth, keeping in mind that attorneys are not allowed to have their clients commit perjury when they testify.
3. Don’t Talk to Anyone Else About Your Case
You should only discuss your case with your attorney. If you discuss your case with friends, family members, and even jail cellmates, prosecutors can subpoena them as witnesses to testify about what you told them. Conversations that can be used against you include:
- Text messages
- Social media posts
- Jail phone calls (which are recorded)
- In-person conversations
Even an off-hand comment can be twisted or misunderstood in criminal court. Keep quiet and let your lawyer do the talking.
4. Follow All No-Contact Orders Strictly
If there is an alleged victim or witness in your case, the judge may issue a no-contact order. This means that you cannot communicate with them in any way. In Michigan, violating this order, even accidentally, can result in:
- Additional felony charges
- Revocation of your bond
- Being held in jail until trial
If you see the person in public, walk away. If the person attempts to contact you, tell your attorney immediately. Ignoring a no-contact order can only make things worse for your defense.
5. Cooperate With Your Attorney and Show Up for Court
Attorneys cannot read your mind. We require your full cooperation to establish a robust defense. If your lawyer contacts you, you should respond as soon as possible. If you don’t know the answer to something, say so. But silence and missed calls will slow your attorney down and leave them unprepared to defend you.
You are required to attend every court hearing unless your defense attorney tells you otherwise. Failure to appear can result in a bench warrant being issued, which allows the court to take you into custody. As your trial date approaches, your responsiveness will be even more crucial.
6. Provide Documentation That Supports Your Case
One way your attorney can strengthen your defense is by demonstrating to the judge or prosecutor that you are a person of good character and reputation or that you are taking positive steps in your life. Depending on your charges, this might include:
- Proof of employment
- Proof of school enrollment
- Character reference letters from family or friends
- Community service records
- Proof of counseling, rehab, therapy, or AA/NA attendance
If you’re unsure which documents your lawyer needs, if any, just ask.
Your Defense Is a Team Effort
The Michigan criminal justice system is complex, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Your attorney will handle the legal arguments, motions, and trial strategy, but they need your help to make that strategy effective. These responsibilities may not seem important, but they are critical to your defense. At our firm, our clients are an essential member of our defense team.
If you’re facing criminal charges in Michigan and want a criminal defense attorney who will guide you every step of the way, contact The Kronzek Firm. We serve clients throughout Ingham, Eaton, Clinton, Livingston, and Ionia counties, as well as across Michigan’s lower peninsula. The sooner we get involved, the more we can do to protect your future.
📞 Our attorneys have defended hundreds of Michiganders for more than 30 years. You can reach all of our offices 24/7 by calling 866-766-5245 (866 7NoJail).
[Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult an attorney for personalized guidance.]