Whether you’re facing a criminal charge or just being questioned by police, it can be hard to know where to turn. A criminal defense consultation in San Diego should always be your first move. It’s not about committing to anything on the spot. Rather, it’s about gathering answers when you have questions and are feeling overwhelmed with uncertainty. These expert conversations give you a chance to share the details of your situation, hear what steps might come next, and decide if you want to secure legal representation.
At McKenzie Scott, we understand how daunting this sort of situation can feel. Whether you’re facing a federal investigation, a border-related arrest, or a white-collar criminal subpoena, knowing what to expect during the first attorney meeting can provide key insights to help you properly prepare.
What a Criminal Defense Consultation Is (and Isn’t)
Think of a criminal defense attorney consultation more like a meet-and-greet/discovery occasion rather than a formal meeting. It’s a chance to present all the facts related to your case and explain how everything unfolded.
Here are a few key expectations:
- We’ll use this meeting to understand what happened and see if we’re the right fit as your legal counsel.
- It’s not about outlining every step that you should take going forward. We don’t necessarily give direct advice during this initial consultation – typically it’s more geared towards information gathering combined with overall direction.
- You don’t need to bring every bit of paperwork or know legal terms. Providing your honest version of what happened is typically sufficient in meeting number one.
This first talk is generally informative for a reason. It lets both sides determine whether representation could be mutually-agreeable without the pressure to decide anything right away.
Common Reasons People Schedule a Criminal Defense Attorney Consultation
Some people call us the same day something goes wrong. Others wait because they’re unsure if what happened is serious enough to warrant legal representation. We meet with people at all different stages of their cases, but timing always matters. Various factors can impact the direction of one’s first criminal lawyer consultation:
- If the individual’s been arrested and already spoken to the police
- If a family member is being held or injured while in jail (and no one is providing answers)
- If someone’s being investigated on a charge such as drug trafficking or mail fraud (and is unsure of whether to talk)
These aren’t just legal problems. Such serious situations often cause stress at home, work, and throughout family relationships. During your consultation, we’re not here to judge; we’re here to listen and guide you towards the best possible outcome moving forward.
What You’ll Be Asked During the Initial Attorney/Client Meeting
When we sit down to talk, some questions will inevitably arise. Others depend on the type of issue you’re facing. We’re gathering the pieces we need to understand the whole picture:
- What happened (and when)?
- Who else was involved?
- Were the police there?
- Did anything happen at the border or at a checkpoint?
- Were you searched?
- Have you ever been charged with a crime or had to deal with law enforcement/the courts before?
These questions aren’t meant to be intimidating. They help us understand what court rules apply, whether the case might be federal, and how quickly we need to act.
What Questions You Can Ask the Criminal Lawyer?
The consultation goes both ways. You should ask any and all questions you.
Here are a few we receive regularly:
- Have you handled this type of case previously (particularly for federal crimes or charges related to border arrests)?
- What happens in the next few days?
- Should I talk to anyone else about this?
- How much will this cost?
- What are my rights at this very moment?
- Will charges be filed?
- What changes if charges are filed?
Asking questions like these won’t affect the outcome of the meeting. Hopefully, receiving critical information and answers to questions might help you feel more in control of an undoubtedly onerous situation.
How Attorney Consultations Help With Stressful Circumstances
We’ve worked with countless clients facing troubles they’d never before experienced (nor anticipated). A criminal defense attorney consultation may provide something especially important when things have gone awry: clarity.
A criminal defense lawyer consultation can:
- Provide a moment of respite in the middle of confusion
- Provide answers to difficult questions
- Provide guidance with burdensome affairs
At McKenzie Scott, we’ve witnessed how initial attorney consultations can be particularly helpful after a loved one is in custody and the family is desperately searching for answers. Moreover, in border cases, where federal charges can be complex, these consultations often offer clients a path to protect their rights and prevent incrimination.
You don’t need to have every fact memorized and every piece of paperwork in hand in order to begin this process. You simply need to show up with the truth and allow for an exchange of information.
Why Choose McKenzie Scott for Your San Diego Criminal Defense Consultation?
We are highly-regarded criminal litigators in San Diego, known for our team of experienced trial lawyers who handle both state and federal cases – most of whom previously served as elite federal public defenders.
We represent individuals in State criminal cases throughout Southern California, and federal cases nationwide, taking on complex criminal charges involving:
- Drug crimes
- Violent crimes
- Sex crimes
- Internet crimes
- Juvenile crimes
- Gun/weapons crimes
- Border crimes
- White-collar crimes
- Money-laundering crimes
- Honest services/mail fraud crimes
- Insurance fraud crimes
- Federal crimes
- Appeals (habeas corpus and post-conviction relief)
Our prior results show a clear commitment to helping clients protect their rights and navigate moments that could seriously affect their freedom and their futures. If your matter involves local or federal courts, expert guidance from a team familiar with high-stakes litigation is essential. During your consultation, you’ll benefit from insights shaped by real courtroom experience and a genuine dedication to client advocacy.
San Diego Criminal Defense Attorney Consultations: Knowing What to Expect Helps You Take the Next Step
A California criminal defense attorney consultation is less about having the perfect story and more about starting a conversation. When you know what kind of questions to expect, how to share your side, and what sort of support is possible, it can make a stressful situation feel more manageable. This meeting won’t fix everything, but it often brings a little clarity when you need it most. Whether it’s your case or someone else’s, preparing for that first attorney meeting can make the road ahead feel less ominous.
Questions about jail conditions, federal charges, or a possible arrest tied to border-related matters can feel overwhelming. Many people come to us uncertain about what just happened or what might come next. The McKenzie Scott team is ready to listen and help you find the right path forward. An open, honest conversation during a criminal defense consultation in San Diego is a straightforward way to get much-needed perspective and understand your best options.
If you need guidance, reach out to us today to schedule your free and confidential San Diego defense attorney consultation at (619) 794-0451.