Can one lawyer represent me and other people arrested with me?

• It is important that your lawyer’s focus is on your best interests. This may not be possible if s/he represents you and someone who has different interests.
   
• A conflict of interests can arise when you are arrested with someone else in relation to the same offence (if their story is different from yours, or if they want to claim you are solely responsible for the offence). It is possible that your co-defendant or other parties may try to use information that you provide to their advantage, or otherwise adversely affect your defence.
   
• To guard against these risks, it is in your interests to have a separate lawyer representing you.

This is not a substitute for legal advice and, because every case is different and legal systems around the world vary so much, we cannot guarantee that the answers will be applicable to your own case. For advice about your own situation, you should talk to a lawyer qualified in the jurisdiction where you are being prosecuted.

The information contained in this document is provided for information purposes only and is not intended as legal advice, nor does it constitute legal advice. Whilst we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, Fair Trials International makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or applicability to individual cases of the information contained in this leaflet. Any reliance you place on such material is therefore strictly at your own risk. Fair Trials International disclaims any liability to the fullest extent permissible by law for any loss or damage of any kind arising from the use of the information provided.

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