What information should I prepare before contacting a local criminal lawyer?

A four-step working method

1. Locate the person: write down country, city and known custody location; distinguish confirmed facts from reports.
2. Preserve the timeline: keep dates, time zones and original messages without editing them.
3. Prepare the contact brief: list interpreter needs, counsel contacts and reference numbers already provided.
4. Ask local counsel to verify procedure, deadlines and lawful next steps; record who confirmed each answer.

Common errors to avoid

• Confusing reported detention information with a verified location.
• Treating an empty worksheet field as a confirmed zero or a verified fact. Mark missing information explicitly.
• Sharing a working brief as a professional conclusion. Keep assumptions and unanswered questions attached.