Building A Defense And Proffer Meetings
If you were accused of a crime and law enforcement is seeking information about the crime, it is possible agents will invite you to a proffer session. These meetings are often mutually beneficial, law officials will obtain the information they want about the crime itself and the people involved. In exchange, you may be able to have your potential penalties reduced or have changes completely dismissed. Some proffer meetings result in a person avoiding charges to begin with.
After an arrest or when you are brought in for questioning about a crime, connect with a Houston criminal lawyer. Your attorney can be by your side if you are invited to a proffer meeting, or even initiate a proffer session if they see key reasons why the charges against you are weak. Then, sharing data about the weakness of the charges with the prosecution team could lead to the prosecutor deciding to not move forward in exchange for your cooperation.
Who Is Involved In the Proffer Meetings?
Typically, a proffer meeting will be attended by the defendant, their attorney, law agents, and the prosecutor who is building the case against the suspect. Understanding who will be in attendance and why they are there is an important part of preparing for a proffer meeting.
You, as the defendant, will need to be prepared to answer questions. Being truthful and fully answering the questions asked is in your best interests. That said, you only want to answer the question asked. There is no need to over-speak when sharing details of a crime or the factors surrounding the criminal event, as you may end up unintentionally sharing information that is not favorable for you and the agreement you are seeking.
Should I Agree to a Proffer Session?
Determining if you should or shouldn’t agree to a proffer session depends on the details of your case. Talking through the pros and cons of attending a proffer is advised, because although they can be helpful for defendants, there are also times when the meetings complicate your defense.
For example, not all proffer sessions are the same. Sometimes law enforcement will call for a reverse proffer meeting. Essentially, these meetings mean the prosecutor has an incredibly strong case against you and they want to meet with you and your Houston criminal lawyer to discuss all of the reasons you should cooperate to the fullest extent possible.
Have you heard discussions about a proffer or a reverse proffer session and are unsure if it is part of your case? Because criminal charges can result in harsh penalties, including freedom loss and hefty fines, it is essential you take your arrest seriously and connect with a Texas criminal attorney as soon as you are able to make the call. Federal, state, and local charges can all be reviewed by a Texas law expert. Then, the legal team at Ayson Law Firm can build your defense, which may include proffer sessions, if appropriate. Contact us today for a free consultation.
