Early Representation
Our Early Representation Team visits incarcerated clients before their first court date to listen, offer support, and find out how we can help. Typically, when someone is arrested, unless they can afford to hire a private attorney, the first time they meet their attorney is a few days later at the first court appearance. For incarcerated clients, this delay can be especially harmful, resulting in additional incarceration, lost evidence, and missed opportunities for arranging supportive services. At that first court appearance, the court makes the important decision whether to detain or release someone. By meeting with our incarcerated clients before the first court date, our defense teams are better prepared to get clients out of jail. We can also reach out to friends, family, and supporters and help tie up loose ends so that a client has something to return to when they are released. Early representation allows us to hit the ground running. Because we have already met the client before the first court date, we are more prepared to begin investigation, hire experts, apply for services like residential or behavioral health treatment, and suggest alternative resolutions like restorative justice, collaborative courts, or diversion.