Can I tell my criminal attorney everything?

YES! Never lie to your attorney and never withhold information.

• You must be open and honest with your own lawyer. He or she cannot zealously represent you without all of the facts.
• Information that you think makes you look bad may actually be a key to your own defense.
• Everything you tell your lawyer will be kept in confidence. It’s the law.

Your criminal defense attorney will explain the elements of the crime that you’ve been charged with as well as applicable defenses. Be sure to tell your attorney everything including anything that you think may make your look bad. Full disclosure is required to formulate your best defenses and prevent the prosecutor from proving your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.