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When you’re going to court, it generally isn’t simply because you WANT to go, but rather you HAVE to go. If you are going in for a criminal defense, it may well be in your best interest to be well prepared and knowledgeable BEFORE you enter those doors. Below are tips which are highly suggested that you adhere to in order to have an effective time in court and put the odds far better to your favor within the eyes of the court.

Dress Code

When in the courtroom it really is in your very best interest to appear your very best for the judge, jury, prosecutor, and oneself. It emotionally can help you in court with your case and can increase your chances of winning in the event you look like you’re serious about the proceedings and play the part.

People who go to the courtroom in shorts and flip flops will absolutely not receive the same treatment that a individual in a suit or nice dress would receive. It seems, at least to the court that you have absolutely no interest in being there and that is certainly looked at as disrespect to the court.

The following is appropriate dress code for the sexes:

For Men

• A dark suit is preferred. If a suit is not readily 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 would like the distracting smell of another in the courtroom.
• Jewelry: one ring (wedding band) and a watch, should you have either.

The point here is you will need the judge and any sort of various other people deciding your fate to look at you with respect regardless of 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 two 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 may be too strong and do not 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 sort of polish beyond a clear coat or perhaps the French manicure is suitable.

Again, the idea here is you will need the judge and any other men and women deciding your fate to look at you with as much respect as possible regardless of what you’re in the courtroom for.

In the courtroom listed here are recommended as far as behavior and procedure are concerned:

Only answer questions that you’re 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 had been asked a question, and the response was EXACTLY what should have been given. Never volunteer information without first consulting your lawyer about it ahead of time. Prosecutors exist to trip you up and get you to admit important things in order to aid their case, and they are professionals at what they do. Do not make it easy for them. They are NOT your buddy, and they don’t have your best interests at heart 110% of the time.

When sitting in court do not place your elbows on the tables at any given time. Sit up straight and look attentive at all times, unless you’re injured somehow. Slouching is usually 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 television in front of the world and you have to look your very best.

Additional Etiquette

• Be punctual.
• Do not talk throughout 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’s medically shown to hurt your eyes in light.
• Remain in attendance until excused. All persons seated before the bar shall remain there throughout each session and return right 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 pride.
• Address other individuals only by their titles and surnames, including lawyers, witnesses, and court personnel.
• Steer clear of approaching the bench. Counsel should anticipate the necessity for rulings and talk about them once the jury isn’t seated. Whenever a bench conference is inevitable, obtain 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 far ahead of time so that they can be set up while the Court isn’t in session.

Language

This is possibly the most abused item in the courtroom besides dress. Again you must remember you are not at a party with your buddies. You’re in a courtroom. If it is a criminal matter, someone is looking for grounds to put you away. DON’T Give THEM ONE! Speak English as correctly as you are capable. Usage of slang isn’t going to help you in any way.

The judge isn’t your “bro”, he is your honor. The D.A. or Prosecutor isn’t an old buddy, and ought to be addressed as sir.

Following these basic simple rules and procedures, you greatly enhance your chances of succeeding in court. These are unwritten rules, nevertheless over the years folks seem to have forgotten them. If you have additional questions or are unsure about any of this, contact the Best Dallas Attorney at the Charles Johnson Law Firm BEFORE you go to court.

In the event you or a family member is charged having a crime in the Dallas region, contact us for a free consultation with a successful criminal defense lawyer from the Charles Johnson Law Firm. Attorney Johnson is able to provide compassionate legal counsel, accessibility and personal attention, years of experience, and aggressive protection of your rights.