Will My Defense Lawyer Ask Me to Tell the Truth?

DWI Arrest Manhattan lawyer - scott cerbin

Whether or not the attorney who defends you in a criminal case needs to know the whole truth really depends on your unique circumstances. Here’s what you should understand about talking to your attorney.

Your Lawyer May Want Only Minimal Details

You are allowed to tell your criminal defense lawyer anything you want without being at risk of penalty because you have the protection of attorney-client privilege. Despite this, your attorney may want to avoid the risk of potentially being culpable in your case if they know certain details. This is a good question to ask during your consultation.

Or, Your Lawyer May Ask You to Be Direct

It’s not uncommon for criminal defense attorneys to want to have as much information and evidence as possible before they go to trial so they aren’t blindsided or put on the spot by new evidence brought forward by prosecutors.

If your lawyer requests that you leave nothing off the table, go ahead and give them a full recount of your version of events. You can even admit guilt without consequences if your lawyer has let you know that you have the freedom to be candid; just be sure you’ve been given the green light first.

What You Should Know About Your Defense Lawyer’s Responsibilities and Constraints

Although you’re protected by attorney-client privilege, your lawyer has certain responsibilities and constraints. If you admit to them you’re guilty, they cannot allow you to take the stand and offer a different version of events. This is lying under oath, also called perjury. Similarly, your lawyer can’t offer up false evidence. That said, these standards cannot apply to attorneys who genuinely do not know if their client is or isn’t guilty.

If your attorney knows you’re guilty, they may still think it’s a good option to defend your case in court. This usually occurs in cases where the defendant’s argument is largely based on law enforcement misconduct and rights violations versus whether or not you committed the crime you’re accused of.

How to Get Aggressive Legal Defense In Your Criminal Case

Scott Cerbin is an experienced New York criminal defense attorney that has the expertise and skill to provide you with a zealous legal defense.

Contact our office today to book your consultation at 718-596-1829 to learn more about how to protect your rights, reputation, and future after being arrested and charged with a criminal offense.

By : First Page Attorney | March 17, 2021 | Criminal Defense

Clients Testimonials

Amazing Its always good talking to Scott but never under the circumstances. However, Scott is always there, he is ready to take on any battle. He is always honest and reassuring. If he is in court and cant take your call he is available via text. He makes himself available outside of office hours. He is a winner.

By: Andrews

Do you want a winner? Scott has worked on several cases for my son, and has successfully defended him each time with verdicts of “Not Guilty” or, got the charges were dropped!! Attorney Cerbin genuinely cares about his clients and their family, has reasonable fees, and is always easily accessible. I honestly recommend this attorney to anyone who wants the best opportunity for a favorable outcome on their case!

By: John Butler

Amazing Very good at what he does, charismatic and informed.. Fulfilled his promise and got done exactly what he said he would.. totally recommended

By: Jude

Smart, Honest, Patient, and Supportive Scott is an outstanding attorney. He is open, honest, communicative, and supportive. His years of experience and deep knowledge of the New York legal system ensure the best possible outcome for his clients. I was involved in an altercation with a cab driver who fabricated his version of the events. Scott got the charges dismissed entirely. I truly can't recommend him highly enough. The best!

By: Patrick

Grateful Mom Scott was a lifesaver. He represented my daughter against scummy neighbors who lied and had her falsely arrested. Neighbor's daughter working for city used her influence with the police to prejudice the case BUT Scott came to our rescue and brought JUSTICE. Don't put your faith in the justice system. Put your faith in Scott!!!

By: Anonymous

Small job but very well done Mr Cerbin did as agreed on a quick schedule, answered all questions, got the right result (old arrest dismissed & sealed), and the agreed fee was entirely fair (unlike some other quotes I got...). Worked effectively despite the fact that we were hundreds of miles apart, which saved me the significant cost/time of a trip to NYC. If you need someone in Brooklyn, he's a good pick!

By: Scott

Criminal Trial Lawyer - Extraordinaire Scott regularly goes above and beyond what his clients expect of an attorney. I have consulted with Scott and he has been hired to work on cases with me. I know firsthand how having the proper attorney on your side can help you and having the wrong attorney on your side can hurt you. Scott is the right attorney to have on your side and I whole-heartedly encourage anyone in need of a criminal attorney to meet with him and hire him. You won't be sorry!

By: Michael Kushner

Full commitment and knowledge to helping. Went through a very difficult period several months after having become a new parent. The greatest day of my life with having my new son went several months later to the worst dealing with domestic violence charge. I was the last case to be arraigned on a early Sunday morning (1:00am) after having spent all day detained. Scott had a colleague with very short notice come and pick me up from the arraignment. Thereafter Scott was very knowledgeable and had a clear plan of action which was executed with diligence and excellent knowledge of the law. At a time where I felt the lowest he was able to clearly show me a path that would allow me to return ho ...

By: Fernando

A mother's gratitude When I came to Scott, I was devastated and had already retained another attorney who had stated that there was no hope and prison was the only route. Then, I had a brief consultation over the phone, followed by a face-to-face visit to another lawyer, whose name is Scott Cerbin. During this consultation, my faith was restored. As a result of his actions, Scott gave me back hope, because his main focus was to save a young man's life and with his expertise, he saved my son from being incarcerated. May God continuously bless him and his firm. Additionally, may all his clientele be satisfied

By: Jesenia

Great Attorney. Knows what he is doing and is very responsive. Scott took our case from day 1 and has been very strategic, patient and responsive. He follows up very well so you know case status at all times. He knows how to navigate the legal system to get the best outcome. Overall, Scott is a great attorney who represents his clients very well..

By: Bill

Blessed My Grandmother, My Mom and I three generations walked into his office. Without hesitation he told us he would take the case. We were there to save my nephew. It was his first offense and we were looking at a felony. Mr Cerbin was diligent. His expertise and his knowledge of the law is impeccable. My nephews case was expunged. He is the best and I guarantee you will not be disappointed.

By: Dana

Attempted Murder trial He met with me, listen to the case, then he took on my case. He is very smart and very knowledgeable. Knows his law and the justice system. Never late no matter what he was doing or how many clients he had. Represents very well his confident demeanor flows through the court room making it nearly impossible to not listen to what he is saying. We won the case not guilty on all three counts. What are you waiting on? Hire this man he will do his best by you as his client.

By: Paul

Went to trial - Acquitted Scott Cerbin was hired by me for a domestic violence case. Countless plea deals were offered and he willingly went forward with the trial and the outcome, on all charges, was: 'not guilty'. Enough positive can't be said with regard to his responsiveness, knowledge, presentation, reasonable rate, etc. I would highly recommend him as an attorney.

By: Anonymous

HIGHLY RECOMMEND I emailed ten lawyers and Scott was the only lawyer who actually took the time to look at my case before getting back to me, so I agreed to meet him and eventually hired him. He was very patient, thorough, and supportive. He was very good at relaying legalese, and the court process as my case continue If I ever need a lawyer, or need to recommend one, It will be Scott.

By: Frank Delessio

One of a kind! I felt confident going to trial knowing Scott Cerbin was my attorney. His confidence and knowledge put me at ease and most importantly not guilty verdict was rendered!

By: Anonymous

Cannot recommend a lawyer more When you need a criminal lawyer, Scott Cerbin is the lawyer you want. He's incredibly organized and responsive. Scott is a powerhouse. He took both of my cases, which I thought unwinnable, and got them pled down to a comfortable place where I feel like we won.

By: Jim

Top Level Trial Lawyer If i ever need another Lawyer, I will definitely call Scott Going through the legal process is very difficult. Having a good lawyer is so important, so i sought out the best. Scott came highly recommended from a friend at work. Scott was never afraid to take my case to trial. He actually seemed to be excited by it. After my trial I could see why. He always said "Any case is try-able." Throughout my trial, Scott was clearly the best lawyer in the room. He was very self-confident, personable, and well spoken. Most lawyers would have instructed me to take a plea bargain so they don't have to go to trial. Scott saw me all the way through the year and a half pro ...

By: Justin

Scott is the man!!! Man o man!!! My sister, who is a lawyer herself, managed to employ Scott for me while I was in the bookings. I got out the bookings as the LAST case to be heard. He gets it done. Being patient is key, Scott was able to work out a deal that saved my job, and cost me no time w/o my license. In addition, he totally slayed DMV administrators in Supreme Court to eradicate my refusal to blow charge. GREAT GREAT LAWYER. Top it off, I had the opportunity to hang with dude outside of my situation and he is a stand up dude!!!

By: Duane

Dedication & Expertise................. Only those of us who have struggled with an annoying, time-consuming inconvenient DUI charge can appreciate the work of a fabulous lawyer as Scott. He is an excellent solution to your problem if you ever find yourself in one , such as my own. A good-hearted soul who is extremely knowledgeable . I thought the odds were against me but Instead of the chaos I expected to experience ,I was able to start back with a clear slate. I am most appreciative of everything he has done for me. I hope I can return the favor someday. Thank You for a professional and positive moving experience Scott!

By: Eddie

Well worth every penny I was pulled over for speeding and was getting charged with reckless driving, dui, and speeding. The prosecutor was offering me a terrible plea bargain, to take alcohol abuse counseling and a suspension for 3 months. Could not have been happier I didnt take it. Thanks to Scott all of my charges were dropped once prosecution finally made the bold move to a trial. Didn't last more than 1 session before a judge dismissed the case completely.

By: Anonymous

As good as it gets I simply would like to give an enormous thumbs up for the excellent and highly professional services your firm provided to me when I desperately needed it. Mr. Cerbin is as good as it gets in terms of effective and experienced counsel, especially on criminal matters requiring expertise and understanding of the dynamics of the city, state and federal courts. My case was extremely complicated and Scott handled it with a deftness of touch that is without peer. I will likely be recommending you to all my friends.

By: Gene

Scott Cerbin was great.. He actually bought a car from me. When I needed his services he didn't hold it against me. All kidding aside. When you need his services it's no joking matter. He was very informative. Very knowledgeable. He walked me through everything step by step. There was no surprises. And he kept me at ease throughout. Most importantly we won. Even after the case if I would call him for anything he would lead me in the right direction. If I ever need a lawyer again he's my guy.

By: Ray

Will My Defense Lawyer Ask Me to Tell the Truth?

Your Lawyer May Want Only Minimal Details

Or, Your Lawyer May Ask You to Be Direct

What You Should Know About Your Defense Lawyer’s Responsibilities and Constraints

How to Get Aggressive Legal Defense In Your Criminal Case

Clients Testimonials

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