You’re facing serious criminal charges, and you’re honestly worried about how your attorney will react to the truth. Should you deny everything? Should you be selective about the truth?
Lying to your defense attorney is never a good idea
If you don’t tell your defense attorney the truth, you could hamper their ability to defend you to the best of their ability. Your defense relies on all the information your attorney has available, so deception can leave you in a precarious position that is open to attack from the prosecution.
By the same token, your defense attorney may or may not want to hear the whole truth right away. Some attorneys prefer to look at what evidence there is against you before they ask for more information. That way, they aren’t hemmed in by a particular line of defense.
The takeaway? Follow your attorney’s cues, but don’t mislead them in any way. That could backfire on you in the long run.
Your attorney will defend you no matter what the truth
Your attorney is not there to judge you. Their job demands that they provide the absolute best defense possible for all their clients. You are not the first person to walk in their door and admit that they’ve made some serious mistakes, and you won’t be the last.
What you say is protected by attorney-client privilege
Attorney-client privilege is a sacrosanct part of the judicial process. Your attorney is obligated to keep your secrets (with few exceptions, the major one being that you cannot tell them about a crime you intend to commit). Whatever you say will remain confidential.
When you are in trouble with the law, don’t take chances. Work with your defense attorney for an efficient resolution.