When you are going to
court, it usually isn't because you WANT
to go, but rather you HAVE
to go. If you are going in for a criminal defense, it
would be in your best interest to be prepared and
knowledgeable BEFORE
you enter those doors. Below are tips that are highly
suggested that you follow in order to have a successful
time in court and put the odds better into your favor in
the eyes of the court.
Dress Code
When in court it is in
your best interest to look your very best for the judge,
jury, prosecutor, and yourself. It psychologically helps
you in court with your case and can heighten your chances
of winning if you look like you are serious about the
proceedings and play the part.
People who go to court in
shorts and sandals will not get the same treatment that a
person in a suit or nice dress would receive. It looks, at
least to the court that you have no interest in being there
and that is looked at as disrespect to the court. The
following is proper dress code for the sexes:
For Men
-
A dark suit is
preferred. If a suit is not available, then slacks and
a white shirt and tie at the minimum!
-
Dress shoes (NEVER WEAR
SNEAKERS IN A COURTROOM, PERIOD)
-
Hair well groomed and
neat. If you have long hair, make sure it is tied back
and combed back.
-
Don't bathe yourself in
strong cologne. This isn't a club and no one wants the
distracting smell of another in court.
-
Jewelry: one ring
(wedding band) and a watch, if you have either.
The point here is you want
the judge and any other people deciding your fate to look
at you with respect no matter what you are in court for.
For Women
-
A nice dress or women's
business suit. At the minimum, a blouse and a skirt that
is NO MORE THAN 2 inches above the knee.
-
Panty hose
-
Dress shoes or heels
-
Hair neatly groomed
-
Jewelry: Same as for
men. A ring and a watch. Nothing else.
-
Perfume: Again nothing
that is too strong and don't bathe in it. No one wants
to smell you!
-
Nail Polish: Keep it
simple. Colors that are not acceptable are neon's and
brightly colored nails. If you can avoid it, don't wear
any polish beyond a clear coat or possibly the French
manicure is acceptable.
Again, the point here is
you want the judge and any other people deciding your fate
to look at you with as much respect as possible no matter
what you are in court for.
Etiquette
In the courtroom the
following are suggested as far as behavior and procedure
are concerned:
Only answer questions that
you are asked in a direct manner.
Example:
Prosecutor: "Do you have the time?"
YOU: "Yes."
Prosecutor: "What time do you have?"
YOU: "11:00 a.m."
In this example you were
asked a question, and the response was EXACTLY what should
have been given. Never volunteer information without first
consulting your attorney about it beforehand. Prosecutors
are there to trip you up and get you to admit things in
order to support their case, and they are pro's at what
they do. Don't make it easy for them. They are NOT your
friend, and they don't have your best interests in mind
110% of the time.
When sitting in court do
not put your elbows on the tables at any given time. Sit
up straight and look attentive at all times, unless you are
injured somehow. Slouching is a signal that you don't care
about what is going on and you'd rather be home or doing
something else and the court will treat you that way but
not in your favor. Pretend you are on TV in front of the
world and you have to look your best.
Language
This is probably the most
abused item in court besides dress. Again you must
remember you are not at a party with your friends. You are
in a courtroom. If it is a criminal matter someone is
looking for a reason to put you away. DON'T GIVE THEM
ONE! Speak English as correctly as you are able. Use of
slang is not going to help you in any way.
The judge is not your
"bro", he is your honor. The D.A. or Prosecutor is not an
old buddy, and should be addressed as sir.
Additional
Etiquette
-
Be punctual.
-
Do not talk during the
proceedings while court is in session.
-
Don't bring books to
read or magazines.
-
Don't wear a hat in a
courtroom EVER!
-
Don't wear sunglasses
unless you have a condition that is medically proven to
hurt your eyes in light.
-
Remain in attendance
until excused. All persons sitting before the bar shall
remain there during each session and return after recess.
Parties and counsel must remain in attendance during jury
deliberations; absence waives the right to attend the
return of the verdict.
-
Dress with dignity.
-
Address others only by
their titles and surnames, including lawyers, witnesses,
and court personnel.
-
Avoid approaching the
bench. Counsel should anticipate the necessity for
rulings and discuss them when the jury is not seated.
When a bench conference is unavoidable, get permission
first.
-
Hand to the clerk, not
the judge or reporter, all things for examination by the
judge.
-
Stand when the judge or
jury enters or leaves the courtroom.
-
Conduct no experiment or
demonstration without permission.
-
Make no side-bar
remarks.
-
Request the use of
easels, light boxes, and other equipment well in advance
so that they may be set up while the Court is not in
session.
By following these basic
simple rules and procedures, you greatly enhance your
chances of winning in court. These are unwritten rules,
but over the years people seem to have forgotten them.
If you have further
questions or are unsure about any of this, call Charles
Johnson BEFORE you go to court.
