What Happens at Your First Meeting with a Kentucky...

Hiring a criminal defense lawyer is an unfamiliar experience for most people. The first meeting — the initial consultation — sets the tone for the attorney-client relationship and starts the defense strategy. At Clark + Harris, we make first meetings straightforward, informative, and useful. Call 859-474-0001 to schedule a free consultation. We serve clients in Lexington, Louisville, and across Kentucky.

Before the Meeting

When you call to schedule a consultation, we will ask for basic information: your name, the charges, the arresting agency, the court date, and whether you are currently in custody. Consultations can happen in person at our office, by phone, or by video conference. Confidentiality and the attorney-client privilege apply from the moment you start discussing the case, even in the first conversation.

What to Bring

Citation or complaint and any other paperwork from the arrest
Bond paperwork and pretrial release conditions
Court summons or notice of court dates
Any discovery you have received — police reports, video, lab reports
A written timeline of events in your own words
Names and contact information for potential witnesses
Any prior criminal history you can document
Questions you want to ask

What We Cover

A typical first meeting covers: a detailed discussion of the facts, a review of the charges and their potential penalties, an explanation of the court process and timeline, an initial assessment of defenses and strategy, a discussion of collateral consequences (employment, licensing, immigration, etc.), a review of our fee structure, and next steps. We aim to leave the meeting with a clear picture of where the case stands and how to move forward.

Honest Assessment

We tell clients the truth about their cases — both the strengths and the weaknesses. No good lawyer promises a specific result, but a good lawyer can assess the facts, the law, and the lawyer’s experience with similar cases to give an honest range of likely outcomes. Our commitment is always to give you information you can use to make good decisions.

Confidentiality

Everything said in the consultation is protected by the attorney-client privilege — even if you do not ultimately hire us. You can speak candidly about the facts. Holding back information from your lawyer is one of the worst things a client can do, because surprises during the case are almost always worse than surprises in the privacy of a consultation.

Questions You Should Ask

What are the charges and the maximum penalties?
What evidence does the Commonwealth have, and what evidence do we need to gather?
What are the possible outcomes, realistically?
Have you handled cases like this before?
Who will work on my case?
How and how often will we communicate?
What is the total fee, and what does it cover?

After the Meeting

If you decide to hire us, we sign a written fee agreement and begin work immediately. We request discovery, file entries of appearance, and start preparing for your next court date. If you need time to decide, that is fine — there is no pressure and no sales pitch.

Call to Schedule Your Consultation

The first meeting is the first step toward resolving your case. Call Clark + Harris at 859-474-0001 to schedule a free, confidential consultation today.

Frequently Asked Questions

How soon should I contact Clark + Harris after being charged in Kentucky?

As soon as possible. Early representation protects your rights during questioning, preserves evidence, and often leads to better outcomes. Call 859-474-0001 — we respond promptly to new inquiries.

Does Clark + Harris represent clients throughout Kentucky?

Yes. We represent clients in all 120 Kentucky counties, both state District and Circuit courts, and federal courts in the Eastern and Western Districts of Kentucky.

What happens during a free consultation with Clark + Harris?

We review the specific charges and evidence, discuss available defenses, explain the likely process in the relevant court, and give you a clear roadmap of next steps — at no cost to you.

Related Resources

If this information applied to your situation, the following Clark + Harris guides may also be helpful:

What Happens at Your First Meeting with a Kentucky Criminal Defense Lawyer