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
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A dark suit is preferred. If a suit is not available, then slacks and a white shirt and tie at the minimum!
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Dress shoes (NEVER WEAR SNEAKERS IN A COURTROOM, PERIOD)
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Hair well groomed and neat. If you have long hair, make sure it is tied back and combed back.
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Don't bathe yourself in strong cologne. This isn't a club and no one wants the distracting smell of another in court.
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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
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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.
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Panty hose
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Dress shoes or heels
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Hair neatly groomed
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Jewelry: Same as for men. A ring and a watch. Nothing else.
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Perfume: Again nothing that is too strong and don't bathe in it. No one wants to smell you!
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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
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Be punctual.
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Do not talk during the proceedings while court is in session.
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Don't bring books to read or magazines.
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Don't wear a hat in a courtroom EVER!
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Don't wear sunglasses unless you have a condition that is medically proven to hurt your eyes in light.
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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.
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Dress with dignity.
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Address others only by their titles and surnames, including lawyers, witnesses, and court personnel.
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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.
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Hand to the clerk, not the judge or reporter, all things for examination by the judge.
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Stand when the judge or jury enters or leaves the courtroom.
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Conduct no experiment or demonstration without permission.
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Make no side-bar remarks.
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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.
