Going to court can be an intimidating and scary process. Having the knowledge of what you should and shouldn’t do will help to take some stress off your shoulders and ensure that everything goes smoothly. While specific rules may vary depending on the court in question, there are many general guidelines everyone should follow. Below is a list of some of the Dos and Don’ts that can help set you up for a successful day at court:
Do: Show up early
Going to court early will allow you to have enough time to park, navigate through security, and find the courtroom you need to go to. Twenty minutes is a good rule of thumb but that may depend on your specific case. For instance, if your case is scheduled during a busy part of the day or you need to bring a lot with you, you may want to go earlier.
Double check everything you need to take with you
The last thing you want to do is show up before the judge and realize you left the one document you needed on your desk back at home. Depending on the case, your lawyer may have everything that you need for court. However, you will want to double check with them regarding what you may need to bring yourself. Taking the time to prepare beforehand will save you both time and avoidable stress.
Stay in contact with your lawyer
During the course of the case, your attorney will become the one of the most important people you know. Your lawyer can answer any questions you have, as well as provide legal guidance on how to proceed. For instance, if you want to make an argument of self-defense, your lawyer will know exactly the steps you need to take to do that. You will also want to make sure you can easily be contacted by your attorney in order to receive critical updates, such as if your case received a continuance from the judge.
Inform your lawyer if you need special accommodations
In order to receive a fair trial, it is important that you can properly access the courtroom and be able to understand the proceedings. Since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act
, also known as the ADA, all government buildings are required to provide reasonable accommodations to those who need them. These can range from language interpreters to headphones that are connected to the courtroom microphones. In order to receive these accommodations in a timely fashion, it is important that you inform your lawyer as soon as possible, as they can help you file the request for what you need.
Don’t: Dress inappropriately
First impressions are very important when you meet someone new; they are doubly important when in court. Dressing appropriately will show the judge that you are taking the matter seriously and respect the court. A suitable outfit you can never go wrong with is the ever-popular suit and tie. Dressing like you just woke up out of bed, however, can result to the judge viewing you less favorably and possibly holding you in contempt of court.
Don’t: Speak out of turn
This is a common and understandable mistake many people make during their time in court. It can be tempting to try and get out everything you want to say before the other side does. However, excessively speaking out of turn may lead to being held in contempt of court and landing you in more trouble. The court procedures are designed to allow each side sufficient time to make their case and say what needs to be said. You will have your chance to speak if you stay patient (though you should certainly consult your attorney before saying anything).
Don’t: Exhibit any unprofessional mannerisms
During the proceedings, it is important that you remain neutral in your body language. Doing things such as laughing or audibly sighing, even if unintentional, can lead to you being called out by the judge. Such actions can convince the judge that you are taking the case lightly and may influence his or her decision.
Don’t: Use your phone or other distractions
Yes, court proceedings can sometimes be long and dull. It can be tempting to scroll through your feed on your phone or pick up where you left off in a novel. However, it is important that your focus stays directed on the case from start to finish. Aside from the obvious consequence of being held in contempt of court, you may also miss something important that could be critical to your case.
If you have any further questions on other things you should and shouldn’t do in preparation for court, call the defense attorneys at Hendry & Parker, P.A at (727) 877-1335 today for a free consultation. You can also meet us in person at our office in downtown Dunedin.