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Indigent Defense Services

Indigent Defense Services

The NC Public Defense System

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Working With Your Attorney

Here are some tips for how to work best with your attorney towards the best possible outcome for your case:

  1. Call to make an appointment as soon as you know the name of your attorney. It is likely that your attorney will not have time to talk to you on your next court date. You and your attorney may discover at your first meeting that there are some things you need to do before your next court date.
  2. Always bring your paperwork to meetings with your attorney. This means any copies of papers you signed or were given by law enforcement, a court or probation officer. This also includes search warrants, property inventories, arrest warrants and bond papers. Do not assume your attorney will have these. 
  3. Be on time for every court date.
  4. If you are late to court, the judge may revoke your bond, increase your bond or issue an order for your arrest.
  5. Go to every court date. Do not miss court.
  6. If you miss your court date, the judge will revoke your bond, increase your bond and issue an order for your arrest.
  7. If you know you will be late, call your attorney as soon as you know. Talking you’re your attorney or leaving a message may not excuse your being late but your attorney may be able to convince the court to allow you to be late without consequences. 
  8. If you know you will not be able to make your next court date, you must talk with your attorney. It is a very serious matter to miss court even when you have a good reason to do so. 
  9. Do no talk to anyone else about the facts of your case until you have met with your attorney and you can both decide if there is anyone you should talk to about your case.
  10. Dress in a respectful manner. Courts don’t allow for clothes that show too much skin. If you are in doubt about wearing a piece of clothing, don’t wear it.
  11. Give your attorney time to return your call. Ask your attorney how much time it generally takes to get a call back. When you need to have your attorney call you, make sure your phone is in working order, including your voice mail.
  12. Remember that this is your case. If you have questions or concerns, let your attorney know.

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Related

What Are My Rights?
A Client Bill of Rights
Working With Your Attorney
Who Is My Attorney?
Road Map of a Case
Frequently Asked Questions
Public Defense in Your County
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Contact Us

Indigent Defense Services
123 West Main Street, Suite 400
Durham, North Carolina 27701
Phone: (919) 354-7200
Fax: (919) 354-7201

Setoff Debt Program Taxpayer Inquiry Line: (919) 890-1655

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