Attorney <> Client Initial Meeting
Overview
Worksheet for an initial meeting between an attorney and a defendant. Scenario focuses on a theft, but can be used for a different type of crime.
Student Handout
Attorney <> Potential Client (Initial Meeting)
- First, the student attorney must make a copy of this template and add their name to the title of the document (click on FILE, select MAKE A COPY, and SAVE it to your computer under the new name.)
EXAMPLE: Attorney Potential Client Initial Meeting John Doe
- Because this new document (your copy) is privileged information, do not share it with anyone except with your client (the defendant).
PAIRED ACTIVITY.
Student 1. You are a bilingual public defender and you will be meeting with your Spanish-speaking client for the first time. They have been charged with theft* and they are being housed at the local county jail. You will have to explain some basics about how to work with an attorney and get some information to better argue for bail.
Student 2. You are a Spanish-speaking defendant and you are being accused of theft. You may or may not have prior convictions for other crimes. Be honest with your attorney. Give them the information that they may need to best defend you. The links below may help you come up with a few questions for your attorney. Also, provide your attorney with additional personal information that may help you get bail.
Be creative, without being exaggerated!
Look below at a potential worksheet for attorney<>client meetings
1) Briefly explain attorney-client privilege (everything shared is confidential).
2) Explain the importance of being honest with the attorney.
3) Briefly explain secrecy must not talk to anyone else about the crime, especially law
Enforcement (5th amendment against self-incrimination).
4) Get the details of the story to better defend your client.
o Have you ever been arrested before this crime? Some details (#of times, crime/s, days in jail, probation, community service, amount of fine imposed and any outstanding fines, etc)
o What crime/s have been charged against you (right now) ?
o What happened? Elements of the crime: time, place, potential witnesses, and any and all details. Write a short narration to help you present your case to a judge.
o It may be helpful to get a few details about the defendant (Employed or a student? Family members? Church going? Owns property in the USA? Assets?)
In Idaho, *Theft can be a misdemeanor or a felony. You will have to decide on a list of items stolen (maybe look into jewelry on Quizlet) and the value of the items (more than $1000 or less?) Then quickly look over this information LINK to determine which one it is (felony or misdemeanor?)
Try using your newly acquired QUIZLET vocabulary (in Spanish). For example:
Judge Attorney Prosecutor Defendant Court
Hearing Fine Arrest Prison Probation
Crime Theft Jail Bail Criminal record
About the author
Fátima Cornwall arrived from the Azores Islands, Portugal in 1993. Since then her academic achievements include a M.A. in Spanish Literature from University of California - Santa Barbara, and a B.A. in Spanish from Boise State University.
Fátima has many years of experience in different areas of the interpreting profession. She is a Federal Court Certified Interpreter, as well as an Idaho Court Certified Interpreter Master Level in Spanish and Certified Portuguese Interpreter. She is also a Certified Medical Interpreter through the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters (NBCMI). She has been serving as faculty for different workshops and training sessions for new and experienced interpreters and judges for the past five years. Fátima is also an interpreter assessment specialist and a rater for a national credentialing program for interpreters.
Fátima has a great passion for teaching and learning, having published articles in the subject. She is a clinical assistant professor at Boise State University where she works as the Spanish Language Coordinator and teaches Portuguese and Spanish upper-division courses, including Introduction to Court Interpretation and Spanish for Healthcare.
For any feedback, including corrections, suggestions and so forth please feel free to contact Fátima at fcornwal@boisestate.edu