Attorney Intake Form: Getting Arrested
Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last updated March 01, 2019
If you've been arrested, chances are you'll want the help of an attorney who has experience in handling criminal matters. After all, there are many phases of the criminal justice system which can be complicated and which could involve violations of your constitutional rights. An experienced criminal defense lawyer understands the process and can protect those rights.
Not only that, your attorney is your strongest advocate and can help you challenge the prosecution's evidence or even negotiate with the government to obtain a plea bargain in your case. However, in order for your attorney to best represent you, he or she will need to know all of the relevant information about your case and your background. But what's relevant and how will you know what information to provide? After all, an address from 5 years ago may seem unimportant, but it could become relevant in a particular case. For example, former neighbors could be used to provide witness testimony that they saw the weapons used in a crime at a defendant's old address.
Thankfully, there are ways to help you convey relevant information to your attorney, one of which is filling out an attorney intake form. Getting arrested can be a scary time, but by filling out this form in advance it can help make for a smooth meeting with your lawyer. In addition, these forms provide you with an idea of the information you may need to provide to your attorney during your first meetings. For example, your attorney will need to know whether you have a criminal record. If so, that information can be relevant to your chances of success at trial and the likelihood of having a particular prison sentence imposed. Other factors, such as your education level and income level, may also play a role in how you are perceived by a jury and in how long you may be imprisoned.
Sample Attorney Intake Form: Getting Arrested
Full Legal Name: _____________________________________
Date of Birth: _______________________
Race/Nationality: ____________________
Social Security Number: __________________
Address:___________________________________________________________
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Length of Time at that Address: _______ years
Previous Address(es) (for last 10 years):___________________________________
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Home Telephone Number: ____________________
Work Telephone Number:____________________
Facsimile Number:____________________
E-mail Address: ____________________
Former Name(s):____________________________
Marital Status: _________________________________
Previous Marriage(s): Yes ____ No ____ Ended By?___________________
Children: Name/Date of Birth/Living at Home?
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Education Information
High School Graduate? __________Yes/No
If Yes, School Name:__________________
Year of Graduation/Last Grade Completed ______________
College? _____________Yes/No
If Yes, School Name: __________________Major:_____________________
Year of Graduation______________
Graduate School? _____________Yes/No
If Yes, School Name: __________________Degree:____________________
Year of Graduation______________
Additional Education History:_______________________________________________
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Employment Information
Position/Title:__________________________________________________________
Employer: _____________________________________________________________
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Employer's Address:_____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________
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Length of Time with Employer: _______ years ________months
Previous Employer(s) (for last 10 years):_________________________________________
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Gross Monthly Income from Employment: $_________________
Other Income: _________________________________________________________
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Information About Arrest
Date of Arrest: _____________________
Time of Arrest: _____________________
Location of Arrest: __________________
Date of Alleged Crime: _______________
Location of Alleged Crime:_________________________________________________
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What was the reason or explanation given for your arrest?_________________________
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Did the police have a warrant? ___________________ Yes/No
What crime were you charged with?__________________________________________
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Who arrested you (name and badge number of officer(s))?_________________________
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Was anyone else present at the time? _____________Yes/No
If Yes, explain:_________________________________________________________
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Was your property searched at the time of the arrest? ________________Yes/No
If Yes, explain: _________________________________________________________
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Did the police find anything that they kept? _____________Yes/No
If Yes, explain: _________________________________________________________
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Were you searched at the time of the arrest? ________________Yes/No
If Yes, explain: _________________________________________________________
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Did the police find anything that they kept? _____________Yes/No
If Yes, explain: _________________________________________________________
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Were you read your Miranda rights (informing you that you have the right to remain silent, you have the right to an attorney, etc.) at the time of your arrest? _____________Yes/No
If Yes, explain:________________________________________________________
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Did you give or sign any statements? _______________Yes/No
If Yes, explain:_________________________________________________________
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If Yes, do you feel the statement was voluntarily given?___________________ Yes/No
Explain: ______________________________________________________________
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Were you asked to participate in a line-up at any time?_________________________
Were you fingerprinted or photographed at any time?______________________________
At any time prior to or after your arrest did you ask to speak to an attorney?_____Yes/No
If Yes, was one provided to you? __________________________________________
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What was the name of the attorney you spoke to?_________________________________
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At any time were you physically threatened or mentally harassed by the police? __Yes/No
If Yes, explain: ________________________________________________________
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What is your version of the events leading up and causing your arrest?
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Have you ever been questioned, but not arrested, in connection with a crime?____Yes/No
If Yes, explain:_________________________________________________________
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Do you have a criminal record? ______________________Yes/No
If Yes, explain:__________________________________________________________
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Do you have a drivers' license? ___________________Yes/No
If Yes, what state issued your license? ____________________
If No, have you ever had a drivers' license? ________________
Explain: ______________________________________________________________
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Do you own any automobiles, motorcycles, or other motorized vehicles?_______Yes/No
If Yes, please list all such vehicles:__________________________________________
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Have you ever owned a firearm? _____________________Yes/No
If Yes, explain:_________________________________________________________
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Are you in good health? ____________________________Yes/No
Explain all current and chronic illnesses, past and future surgeries, and medications you are currently taking, and other relevant health information:_______________________________________
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Do you have a history of alcohol or drug abuse? _____________________Yes/No
If Yes, explain:________________________________________________________
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Have you ever been treated by a psychologist, psychiatrist or other mental health care professional? _______________________Yes/No
If Yes, explain:_____________________________________________________________
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Other Important Information:
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Questions to Ask My Attorney:
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Put Your Intake Form To Use: Contact an Attorney Today
Often when you first sit down with an attorney it's hard to know what information is relevant or what questions you should ask. Filling out an attorney intake form ahead of time can help. It's also a great way to make sure that your attorney can review the necessary background information before speaking with you, which can make your meetings more focused and productive. You can get started today by speaking with an experienced criminal defense attorney in your area.
Next Steps
Contact a qualified criminal lawyer to make sure your rights are protected.