How criminal defense lawyers can keep clients informed between court dates

Criminal defense clients have a lot at stake and long stretches of waiting between hearings. Calls to the office are often anxiety more than questions. A few habits keep clients informed and calmer, without adding hours to your week.

Explain the road ahead early

At the first meeting, walk the client through the usual path of a criminal case - arraignment, discovery, pretrial motions and negotiations, and then a plea, trial or dismissal, and sentencing if it comes to that - and make clear that the order and timing vary. A client who knows discovery can take a while is less likely to read silence as bad news.

Always confirm the next court date in writing

The most important thing a defense client needs to know is when and where to appear. Put every court date in writing, with the time, the courthouse and the courtroom, and repeat it shortly before the date.

Say what's happening, not just what's next

"We received the discovery and are reviewing the video" tells a client their case is being worked on. Short, factual updates after each development are enough; avoid predictions you can't stand behind.

Keep sensitive details out of casual channels

Updates should be private to the client. Use a channel only the client can open, and keep strategy and privileged detail for conversations with them.

Make family updates easy - with permission

Family members often call on the client's behalf. Agree with the client who may be kept informed, and give those people the same basic status information rather than repeating it by phone.

How Gides helps

Gides gives each client a private page with their current stage and your latest note, behind an access code only they have. It comes with ready-made criminal defense stages - intake and retainer, arraignment, discovery and investigation, pretrial motions and negotiations, trial, sentencing, case closed - that you can rename or switch off. Clients get an alert when their case moves and can ask their case manager to call them.

Plans start at $99 a month for up to 50 active cases, with unlimited case managers. New firms: your first month is free with code FREEMONTH.

Questions: support@gidescase.com. Gides Case LLC.