If you have been charged with a crime in Denver, the first step before hiring an attorney is a consultation. Done well, the consultation gives you a real understanding of your charges, the legal questions in play, and what working with an attorney can look like. Done poorly, it is just a sales pitch. This guide explains what a quality criminal defense consultation should include and how to get the most out of it.
What to bring (or be ready to discuss)
- Citation, summons, or arrest paperwork.
- Bond papers and conditions of release.
- Police report (if you have it — many people do not, and that is OK).
- Court date and location.
- Any communications from the prosecutor or victim.
- Basic timeline of what happened in your own words.
- Your immigration status, if applicable.
- Any prior criminal history.
What a good consultation includes
- Case review: The attorney listens to your version of events without judgment.
- Charge analysis: Explanation of the specific charges, their elements, and possible penalties.
- Defense identification: What defenses might apply — illegal stop, illegal search, lack of evidence, witness credibility, mistaken identity.
- Possible directions: A read on how the prosecution may approach the case and what defenses are available — based on the specific facts.
- Strategy: The attorney's approach — pre-trial motions, plea negotiations, deferred judgment, trial.
- Timeline: How long the case will take and what hearings to expect.
- Fee discussion: How the firm structures its fees and what payment options are typical.
- Time for your questions.
A substantive consultation takes time. If you are in and out in 5 minutes, that is a sales call, not a consultation.
Special considerations for non-citizens
If you are not a U.S. citizen, the consultation must address immigration consequences. A guilty plea that seems minor under criminal law can:
- Trigger automatic deportation.
- Bar future green card or citizenship applications.
- Block specific waivers.
An attorney without immigration knowledge can give you advice that destroys your immigration case. Always ask: "How does this affect my immigration status?"
Questions to ask the attorney
- How many cases like mine have you handled?
- How have similar cases generally gone?
- Will you personally handle my case, or pass it to associates?
- What is your fee structure — flat fee, hourly, or contingent on complexity?
- What does the fee include? (Trial fees, motion fees, sentencing fees often differ.)
- What is your strategy if the prosecution offers a plea?
- Are you available for questions during the case?
- What happens if there is an appeal?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee for the consultation?
Novo Legal Group offers a paid expedited case review — a 30-minute attorney-led session at a reduced fee where your charges, options, and possible defenses are discussed. Full-length consultations are priced by case type; confirm before scheduling.
What if I cannot afford the attorney's fee?
Most criminal defense firms offer payment plans. Public defenders are also an option for those who qualify financially.
Can I bring a family member?
Yes. Most attorneys welcome family members for support. Note that conversations with family present may waive attorney-client privilege for those parts of the conversation.
How soon after charges should I have a consultation?
As soon as possible — ideally within days. Early action preserves evidence, protects your rights, and prevents bad statements to police.
Schedule a consultation
Novo Legal Group serves Denver criminal defense clients with bilingual attorneys and immigration cross-training for non-citizen clients. Start with an expedited case review — a 30-minute attorney-led session at a reduced fee. Call 1 (888) 746-5245.
Related: Criminal Defense Hub, Deportation Defense.
