Client intake checklist for criminal law matters
Criminal intakes are often time-critical — the client may be in custody or facing an imminent court date. This checklist walks through the standard opening steps.
This is a 12-step intake checklist for a criminal matter. It covers the charges, custody status, bail, disclosure, funding and urgency so the client is properly represented from day one.
The checklist
Confirm custody status
Is the client in custody, on bail, or summoned? Custody cases require immediate action.
Identify the charges
Capture exact charge particulars — offence, section, date, alleged conduct and the court where listed.
Run a conflict check
Search for co-accused, victims, witnesses and any prior instructions involving the same matter.
Confirm the next court date
Identify whether the next appearance is a first mention, bail application or hearing. Diary it immediately.
Request police facts and antecedents
Ask police prosecution for the court attendance notice, facts sheet and prior convictions.
Check bail status
Is bail granted, refused or in dispute? Identify any bail conditions and whether a review is needed.
Screen for vulnerability
Ask about mental health, cognitive impairment, Aboriginality and language needs. Refer to support where appropriate.
Identify funding source
Private, legal aid, grant of aid or duty solicitor. Confirm eligibility if legal aid applies.
Take an initial account
Take a broad account of the client's version. Do not coach — record exactly what the client says.
Advise on plea options
Outline plea of guilty vs not guilty at a general level. Do not force a decision at intake.
Provide costs disclosure
Issue a costs agreement and disclosure notice, or confirm the grant of aid conditions.
Open the file and diary
Create the matter, diary all court dates and save a detailed intake file note.
When this checklist applies
Use this checklist on every new criminal intake — in person, by phone or from the cells. The conflict and bail status checks are especially important.
Common pitfalls
- Missing a conflict involving a co-accused
- Failing to diary the next court date
- Not screening for mental health or cognitive impairment
- Taking a version that has been coached by family
- Inadequate file note of the intake conversation
Run this checklist on a real matter
Quillio drafts bail applications, plea submissions and file notes in current AU format. See /practice-areas/criminal-lawyers.
This checklist is a general guide. Adapt for serious indictable matters, juveniles and mental health matters.
Use this checklist on your matter.
Quillio can run this checklist on a specific NSW conveyancing matter — confirm each item, calculate adjustments, and generate the supporting documents. The free trial requires no credit card.
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