AI Client Intake for Criminal Defense Attorneys

Criminal defense operates on a different timeline than other practice areas. Arrests happen at 2 AM. DUI stops happen on Saturday nights. Clients don't wait until Monday morning to need a lawyer—they need one now.

This guide covers how criminal defense attorneys use AI intake to capture urgent cases around the clock and be there when freedom is on the line.

The Urgency of Criminal Intake

Criminal defense leads share a common characteristic: urgency.

Post-arrest scenarios:

• Client just bonded out at 3 AM, needs representation
• Family member arrested, loved ones searching frantically
• Morning after a DUI, client realizing the severity
• Just received a summons or subpoena

Pre-charge situations:

• Client knows they're under investigation
• Police want to "talk"—client knows they need a lawyer
• Grand jury subpoena received

Active case situations:

• Unhappy with current representation
• Case taking a bad turn, seeking second opinion
• Probation violation, new charges

In every scenario, time matters. Witnesses disappear. Evidence degrades. Prosecutors move fast. The client who waits until Monday is already behind.

Why Criminal Clients Search at Odd Hours

The criminal justice system doesn't operate on business hours:

• Arrests peak Friday and Saturday nights
• Jail releases happen around the clock
• Family panic searches happen immediately after arrest
• Court dates create pre-dawn anxiety

A criminal defense firm without 24/7 intake is invisible during peak demand.

How AI Handles Criminal Intake

Immediate Response

When someone searches "criminal lawyer near me" at 2 AM, they need acknowledgment—not a form:

"I understand you're dealing with an urgent situation. I'm here to help you take the first steps. Can you tell me briefly what's happening?"

The conversation begins. The client feels heard. The case is captured.

Charge-Specific Routing

Different charges have different urgency levels and attorney expertise requirements:

• DUI/DWI — Often time-sensitive (blood test windows, license hearings)
• Felony charges — High-stakes, immediate attention needed
• Drug offenses — Varying severity, bail considerations
• Assault/domestic — Potential protective order complications
• White collar — Longer timeline but complex coordination
• Traffic offenses — Lower urgency but still valuable cases

AI can identify charge types and route accordingly.

Gathering Critical Information

For criminal cases, certain information matters immediately:

• What happened? (General nature of charges)
• When? (Recent arrest vs. pending case)
• Where? (Jurisdiction)
• Current status? (Custody, bonded out, ROR, summons)
• Court date scheduled?
• Prior record concerns?
• Co-defendants?

AI captures this naturally through conversation, not interrogation.

Family Member Considerations

Often, the person searching isn't the defendant—it's a spouse, parent, or friend. AI should handle this:

"I see you're looking for help for someone else. Let me gather some information so our attorneys can help. What's your relationship to the person who needs representation?"

The family member often has limited information. AI should work with what's available while identifying what the attorney will need.

Case Type Deep Dives

DUI/DWI

The most common criminal defense case type:

Time-sensitive elements:

• Blood/breath test results pending
• DMV hearing deadlines (often 10 days)
• Vehicle impound situations

Key intake questions:

• Blood, breath, or refusal?
• BAC if known?
• Any accident involved?
• Prior DUI history?
• Commercial license?

Drug Offenses

Wide range of severity:

Intake considerations:

• Substance type
• Quantity
• Possession vs. distribution allegations
• Search/seizure circumstances
• Prior drug history

Assault and Violent Crimes

Often emotionally charged with complex circumstances:

Key considerations:

• Self-defense claims
• Relationship to alleged victim
• Protective orders in place or anticipated
• Witness situations
• Injury severity

Theft and Property Crimes

May involve restitution and plea considerations:

Intake focus:

• Value of alleged theft
• Evidence situation
• Prior record
• Employment impact concerns

White Collar and Federal

Complex cases requiring specific expertise:

Intake considerations:

• Federal vs. state
• Investigation status
• Agency involved
• Document preservation issues
• Professional license implications

The 3 AM Arrest Scenario

3:17 AM. Mike's wife Sarah calls. Mike was just arrested for DUI after leaving a work event. He's being processed at county jail. Sarah is panicked.

She searches "DUI lawyer [city]" and finds your website. Chat opens.

AI: "I understand you're dealing with an urgent situation. I'm here to help. Can you tell me what's happening?"

Sarah: "My husband was just arrested for DUI. He's at the county jail."

AI: "I'm sorry you're going through this. Let me help you take the right steps. First—do you know if he's been given a bond amount yet?"

Sarah: "They said $1,500 I think"

AI: "Okay. That's manageable. Have you been in contact with him directly, or is this information from the jail?"

The conversation continues. AI gathers: the arrest circumstances, the jail location, whether there was an accident, Mike's prior record (none), his occupation (requires driving for work). Sarah is told what to expect for the bond process and that an attorney will call within hours.

By 7 AM, your team has a complete picture. The call to Sarah isn't cold—it's informed and reassuring. Mike has representation before his first court appearance.

Handling Sensitive Criminal Information

Client vs. Non-Client Communications

Until formally retained, privilege doesn't attach. AI should:

• Focus on factual circumstances, not detailed confessions
• Note that formal attorney-client relationship requires retention
• Gather enough to assess the case without overexposure
• Remind that this is initial intake, not legal advice

Prior Record Discussions

Criminal history is relevant but sensitive:

• Ask about prior record generally
• Note any felony history
• Identify relevant priors (prior DUI for current DUI)
• Don't press for exhaustive history in initial intake

Co-Defendant Considerations

Multiple defendants create conflict potential:

• Identify other arrested parties
• Clarify who is seeking representation
• Note relationships between parties
• Flag potential conflicts for attorney review

Implementation for Criminal Defense

Urgency Escalation

Configure immediate notifications for:

• Clients currently in custody
• Cases with imminent court dates
• Felony charges
• Cases involving minors

Jurisdiction Mapping

Criminal defense is highly local. Ensure AI:

• Captures arrest/charge location
• Identifies correct court system
• Routes to appropriate attorney (if multi-jurisdiction firm)
• Declines cases outside your practice area

Bail and Bond Information

Common questions from families:

• How does bail work?
• How do I pay bond?
• When will they be released?

AI can provide general information while capturing the lead.

After-Hours Protocol

Criminal is the practice area most requiring true 24/7 response:

• Immediate email/SMS for urgent cases
• Direct attorney notification for custody situations
• Morning digest for non-urgent matters

The Competitive Reality

Criminal defense is competitive. In major markets, dozens of firms advertise for the same cases. The difference between getting the case and losing it often comes down to one factor: who answered when the client called.

A firm with 24/7 AI intake answers every time. A firm with voicemail loses to the firm that picks up.

When someone's freedom is at stake, they don't leave a message and wait. They find someone who responds.

Beyond the Case: Building a Practice

Criminal defense clients often become referral sources:

• They know others who face similar situations
• They remember the firm that was there at 3 AM
• They refer future matters when life stabilizes

Being available during crisis builds loyalty that extends far beyond the single case.

The Bottom Line

Criminal defense requires 24/7 availability. Not as a luxury—as a necessity. AI intake provides that availability without requiring attorneys to sleep with their phones.

When someone's freedom hangs in the balance, someone should answer. AI ensures someone always does.