Excellent Communication = Excellent Results

The most important step in your journey to clearing your name is hiring and communicating with a good criminal defense attorney. Usually, it’s pretty easy to spot when you’re dealing with a bad one. If your attorney is overpromising, overcharging, or overcommitting, it might be time to think about what to listen for when determining the good from the bad.

This guide is going to discuss things to keep in mind when talking to a criminal defense attorney, and showcase best practices Ludwig Law Firm Criminal Defense uses every day in the office.

Evaluating Criminal Defense Attorneys in Arkansas

As someone who is likely in crisis, your role as the client is to be honest, concise, and open about your situation. Our responsibility as an attorney is to listen very carefully and try to get the full truth. Here are four things both parties should keep in mind:

• Tell the truth – Withholding details can prevent your lawyer from building an effective defense. Similarly, a lawyer who overpromises can break trust.

• Organize your thoughts – Forgetting or overlooking important details and documents will slow down the discovery process. For example, make sure you have a plan to make a payment before you make the call.

• Be mindful of time – Lawyers handle many cases, and the client's clock is ticking as it is. Make sure to stick to the facts.

• Ask questions – if you don’t understand something, write it down in a journal or your notes app, and speak up during the conversation.

Tell The Truth

Be Organized

Mind the Time

Ask Questions

The Initial Consultation: Best Practices and Green Flags

This initial consultation, which is typically held over the phone, is where you begin leaning into your responsibilities as a client. You might describe the incident, provide documentation that supports your claims, or explain who the witnesses are.

During the call, you will probably feel like you are being assessed – and you definitely are. Lawyers need to understand the situation and your role in it, so that they can create a winning strategy and bring you peace of mind. However, as the client, you have a responsibility to evaluate the attorney just as much as the attorney does to evaluate you. You also have the power to walk away.

Green Flags for a Good Criminal Defense Attorney in Arkansas

Here are three green flags to look for when you are finding the right fit for your case:

1. They start with trying to understand the facts by asking clarifying questions.

2. They use simple language to explain what your options are.

3. They offer flexible payment plans and affordable rates.

Intention-Setting Before You Call

As you prepare for the initial consult, it’s helpful to set some intentions, or goals. For example, you might want to commit to the following:

• When I don’t understand a term being used by my attorney, I will ask for clarification.

• When I don’t understand or agree with a timeline, I will ask for insight into the reasoning behind it.

When The Process Intensifies, Trust is Key

Once you assessed your options for a criminal attorney and selected a winner, it’s full-steam ahead towards a not-guilty verdict. To get there, you will probably have to participate in one of the following high-stress situations:

• Reviewing plea offers

• Preparing for the trial

• Discussing expert witnesses or evidence challenges

• Even taking the stand and testifying yourself!

This is when communication between you and your attorney should be at its strongest. For example, if you know you’ll be up against a tough prosecutor, you should be clear with your attorney on the details of the case, and you should listen carefully to what he tells you to do to prepare.

What to Say After the Judge Makes a Ruling?

After your attorney defends you in court, the judge will make a ruling on your case. If it is a major legal decision, you should confirm the following with your attorney:

• You understand what happens next in the process. For example, if it is a license suspension case, you might need to know how to retrieve a temporary permit.

• You know any upcoming court dates.

• You’ve followed up on all billing updates.

If you’re unhappy with the decision made by the judge, you might want to appeal to the next court, or even hire a different lawyer. According to the American Bar Association, most documents held by your lawyer that relate to your case are yours, so you can ask for them back when looking to make a transition to another attorney.

When the lawyer
doesn't communicate

Unhappy With Your Current Arkansas Criminal Defense Lawyer? Hire Ludwig Today!

If you're reading this and feel unsure about your current attorney, communication—or lack thereof—might be part of the problem. Are your calls going unanswered? Are you confused about what’s going on in your case?

It’s okay to seek a second opinion. A quality defense attorney should be responsive, respectful, and explain things clearly. At Ludwig Law Firm, we’re happy to review your case and offer guidance on how to move forward—even if you're mid-process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What should I bring to my first meeting with a criminal defense attorney?
A: Bring any paperwork you’ve received from the court or police (citations, summons, affidavits), a written timeline of events, names of witnesses (if any), and a list of questions you want to ask. The more organized you are, the more productive the meeting will be.

Q: What if I’m afraid I’ll say something that hurts my case?
A: Don’t worry—anything you share with your attorney is protected by attorney-client privilege. You should always be honest. The more complete the information, the better your lawyer can protect your rights and avoid surprises in court.

Q3: How often should I expect to hear from my attorney?
While attorneys can’t give daily updates, you should expect clear communication around major developments, deadlines, or court appearances. At Ludwig Law Firm, we ensure every client gets timely updates and responsive communication throughout their case.