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Be On Time – Do not be late – period.  Being on time can help ensure you receive an impartial attitude from the judge since it demonstrates responsibility and that you take the court proceedings seriously.  Play it safe and arrive a half hour before your scheduled hearing time.

Judges are Human – As intimidating as they may seem, judges are human and subsequently, are highly influenced by the initial impression you give them.  Put your best foot forward; be polite, professional and always dress appropriately in court.

Address the Judge Politely – Always address the judge in a respectful manner.  Speak loudly enough for the judge to hear you and address him or her as “your honor” (referring to the judge as “Ma’am” or “Sir” is also appropriate if you feel more comfortable doing so).

Dress Conservatively – This means no shorts, t-shirts, sunglasses, torn clothing or anything else that can be considered immodest or inappropriate.  Court is a formal place, thus you should dress accordingly.

Behave Yourself – It sounds obvious but more often than not, individuals facing criminal charges display behavior that is not appropriate in court.  Proper conduct in a courtroom means refraining from any behavior that is noisy, impolite or distracting such as chewing gum or using a cell phone (which should be turned off).

Be Prepared – During your trial, your lawyer will have the opportunity to address the Judge and plead your case.  Prepare with them ahead of time to ensure you have all the proper documentation, your paperwork is organized and you have all the evidence you need to support your claim(s). Consider bringing on outline of what you want to say to ensure you cover everything adequately. Being unprepared for the court proceedings is the fastest way to losing and facing possible jail time and/or hefty fines. Speak with your criminal lawyer at length to find out exactly how to prepare yourself for your trial.

Know What Comes Next – Before you leave court, make sure you talk with your representative (and the Judge if needed) to find out what comes next.  Will you need to come back for another hearing or will the Judge be making a decision as the result of the hearing?  Do not leave court unless you are fully aware of the next steps that need to be taken.

 

Tags: court, court conduct, criminal court, criminal lawyer