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Tips For Young Lawyers

How to Deal with the DA's Office
By:  Amanda Navarette

So you’ve gotten your first criminal case or appointment and now you have to make contact with the dreaded district attorney’s office. Pretty scary right? The DA’s office can be intimidating, especially when you are dealing with large offices.  Here are a few tips to help you interact with the DA’s office more effectively and comfortably:
 

     1. Introduce yourself.  Take an afternoon out to introduce yourself to the prosecutors and staff at the DA’s office. That time will pay off in the end when you call for discovery requests or appointment requests. They will be able to put a face to the voice on the receiver and will be more likely to help you out or at least more comfortable talking to you.
 

     2. Always be honest.  It is most important to be honest when dealing with the prosecutor and the district attorney’s office. One lie or misrepresentation will cause you to lose all credibility with the office, even if it was a mistake.
 

     3. Know your case.  When meeting with prosecutors to discuss your client’s case know the facts, be prepared and be honest.  Nothing is more frustrating to prosecutors than having to read the reports to the defense attorney and brief the defense attorney on their client’s case.  Arrange to read the file before scheduling an appointment with a prosecutor. Many offices have open file type policies that will allow you to read the file and/or make copies of case reports, which leads to tip number three.
 

     4. Know the local rules and procedures.  Each county and district attorney’s office has their own set of procedures, rules on discovery, plea bargaining, and court settings.  Get to know the local rules and procedures for the specific court you are practicing in and the procedures for the district attorney’s office.   Knowing the procedures will make your life easier and in turn you will be able to spend your time wisely when reviewing files and scheduling appointments with the DA’s office.
 

     5. Ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, it will definitely make dealing with the DA’s office easier if you just ask questions. There is always someone in the district attorney’s office that would be more than willing to help the new guy out. Also, ask your neighboring attorney for tips and advice that will save you time and money. Find a veteran attorney to shadow or to be a mentor.

Dealing with the District Attorney’s office may be daunting in the beginning, but following these tips will help you jump that first hurdle.