What happens after you say you want a lawyer?

Asked by: Pansy Okuneva II  |  Last update: January 5, 2026
Score: 4.3/5 (31 votes)

Once you say that you want to talk to a lawyer, officers should stop asking you questions. If they continue to ask questions, you still have the right to remain silent. If you do not have a lawyer, you may still tell the officer you want to speak to one before answering questions.

What happens when you say I want a lawyer?

Police are required to stop their interrogation at the time you ask for an attorney, and cannot question you further until you have an attorney present.

What happens after you ask for a lawyer?

Right to Stop Questioning After Requesting Counsel: Once a suspect asks for an attorney, all police questioning must immediately stop. Any attempt to continue questioning without counsel present, unless the suspect reinitiates contact, is a violation of constitutional rights.

At what point do you ask for a lawyer?

The best time to talk with a lawyer is before an arrest happens. If you think trouble is starting, such as the police investigating you or talking to your friends, family, and workplace, you need to act. It is a good idea to have an attorney already selected and ready to serve on your behalf.

What do you say when you want a lawyer?

I am not sure what you mean by this or what context this would be happening under. However, other ways of asking for an attorney could be “May I speak with counsel”, “May I speak with legal counsel”, “I would like to see court appointed legal repr...

What will happen if I tell the police I want a lawyer?

32 related questions found

What are six examples of cases when a lawyer should be contacted?

When you need to hire a lawyer
  • You are in over your head. ...
  • You could go to jail. ...
  • You could lose a lot of money. ...
  • Your opponent has an attorney. ...
  • Bodily injury is involved. ...
  • You are in a complicated divorce. ...
  • You need to administer the estate of someone who died. ...
  • You want to do comprehensive estate planning.

What questions do judges ask in court?

Questions a judge might ask
  • Can the prosecutor present the charges? ...
  • What evidence does the prosecution have against the defendant? ...
  • Is the evidence legally obtained and admissible? ...
  • Does the evidence establish probable cause? ...
  • Does the defense wish to cross-examine the prosecution's witnesses?

Do I tell my lawyer everything?

Talking to Your Attorney About the Case

Different attorneys have different opinions on what they want their clients to tell them about the case. Many criminal defense attorneys want their clients to tell them everything—the good, the bad, and the ugly—because attorneys can't defend against what they don't know.

How do I know if I need a lawyer?

Situations Where You Might Need a Lawyer

Being accused of a crime, arrested for DUI/DWI, or other misdemeanors or felonies. Family law issues, such as prenuptials, divorce, child custody, or domestic violence. Business legal matters, including incorporation, purchase, sale, or dissolution.

Can you be questioned after asking for a lawyer?

The lawyer's job is to protect your rights. Once you say that you want to talk to a lawyer, officers should stop asking you questions. If they continue to ask questions, you still have the right to remain silent.

What happens after a consultation with a lawyer?

The attorney will generally tell you the next steps in your case and quote you either a flat fee for the work involved or tell you how much he or she will require as a retainer if you would like to move forward. A retainer is basically a down payment for the attorney's work.

What comes before a lawyer?

Depending on the country, the education required to become a lawyer can range from completing an undergraduate law degree to undergoing postgraduate education and professional training. In many jurisdictions, passing a bar examination is also necessary before one can practice law.

What types of questions do lawyers ask?

Here are some questions you should expect to be asked by a lawyer during an initial consultation.
  • What is Your Case About? ...
  • What Are Your Goals in Your Case? ...
  • How Do You Want to Communicate With Me and My Firm? ...
  • Why Did You Contact Me? ...
  • Are You Okay with My Fee Structure?

What should you not say to a lawyer?

Eight Things You Shouldn't Say to Your Lawyer
  • Do Not Say Anything to Your Attorney That Is Not True. ...
  • Do Not Exaggerate Your Injuries When Talking to Your Lawyer. ...
  • Do Not Tell Your Lawyer to Act On Your Behalf and Take Other Action Without Their Awareness.

What happens when someone asks for a lawyer?

If they request an attorney, all questioning has to stop until they have an attorney. That means that even if they can't afford an attorney, they still have a right to have an attorney appointed before they're asked any more questions.

Does your attorney talk for you?

Can My Lawyer Speak for Me in Court? Yes. The purpose of hiring a lawyer is so that you do not have to represent yourself in court. A criminal defense attorney will research facts, investigate the case, and negotiate deals with prosecutors.

How long before court should you get a lawyer?

It's good to do it as soon as possible, because the lawyer will have a far more time to work on your case, also you will be able to provide him/her will all the facts and so the lawyer can prepare perfectly for your case.

Is it worth it to get a lawyer?

If property or liberty is at stake, or if you're facing another attorney in a civil case, you should have an attorney at your side. Legal representation won't always solve your problems, but it can keep them from getting worse.

Can a lawyer drop a client if they know is guilty?

Can lawyers refuse to defend someone? Yes, under certain circumstances, lawyers have the right to decline representation, including conflicts of interest, lack of expertise, or personal beliefs. However, they cannot deny representation based on whether the client is guilty or innocent.

How do I know if my lawyer is bad?

Any behavior that compromises professionalism, such as rudeness, tardiness, or lack of respect for client confidentiality, should raise concerns about the lawyer's competence. Additionally, ethical misconduct or disciplinary actions by regulatory authorities may indicate a lack of integrity and competence.

Does a lawyer read a lot?

We lawyers spend much of our days reading. We read for multiple purposes: discovering facts, finding legal authority, developing advice, learning about a client, editing a document, preparing for a meeting, studying a new law.

What not to tell a judge?

Here are five things all defendants will want to avoid saying to a criminal judge:
  • 'I Did It. ' ...
  • 'They Didn't Tell Me...' ...
  • Expletives. ...
  • Lies, Lies, Lies. ...
  • 'I Will Represent Myself.

What colors are best to wear to court?

It's best to avoid bright colors. Whether you're a plaintiff or a defendant, dark or neutral colors like white, navy blue, and gray are the best colors to wear to court. Your attorney can offer guidance if you're unsure about what you're wearing.

How can I impress a judge?

Here are a few tips that can help:
  1. Be punctual for the interview.
  2. Dress formally, as you would if you were called for a job interview.
  3. Be sincere and honest because every statement you make during the evaluation will be verified. ...
  4. Be reasonable.