If you have been charged with a crime, it’s important to put your best foot forward for each and every court appearance. Every move that you make and word that you speak will be closely watched while you’re in a courtroom, and your behavior could affect how the judge and jury treat you. Make a good impression by following these courtroom etiquette tips:
Dress Appropriately
Your clothing should show the judge that you are taking the court seriously. Men should either wear a suit or a collared shirt and dress pants, while women should wear a skirt or pants suit with or without a jacket. Choose neutral colors and make sure that your clothing is wrinkle-free before heading to court.
Respect the Judge
Show your respect for the judge by standing every time he enters the room. Always address the judge as “Your Honor,” and never interrupt him while he is speaking. If you are speaking and the judge interrupts you, stop talking instead of talking over him.
Be Early
It’s unacceptable for a defendant to show up late to court, so plan on leaving early so you can ensure that you are on time. Remember that it will take extra time to park, go through security, and find the courtroom, so the earlier that you leave, the better. The judge will not care if you had car trouble or got stuck in bad traffic, so don’t try to use one of these excuses when you are running late.
Stay Quiet
You may have questions about something the prosecutor or judge said or feel the need to point something out to your attorney, but it’s in your best interest to stay quiet. Your attorney need to focus all of his attention on what’s going on in front of him, so you shouldn’t distract him by asking him a question. For example, if you ask him a question while a witness is on the stand testifying, it’s possible that your attorney will miss a valuable opportunity to object to a line of questioning. Instead of distracting your attorney, write all of your questions and comments down and discuss them with him after the hearing.
Have you been charged with a crime? If so, contact Reisch Law Firm today. Our criminal defense attorneys will ensure that you are thoroughly prepared for court so you can make a good impression on the judge. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 303-291-0555 or filling out this online form.
