How to Prepare for Court
As people have Criminal court quickly approaching some important details are sometime forgotten. It is a good Idea to have the following ready for your Public Defender or Private Counsel.
- Write down facts about the case. Have names, dates and addresses written down neatly and boldly.
- If possible have printouts of any Text Messages to be used in your favor. If this is not possible then bring the device that has Text messages that might be helpful and in your favor.
- If you have any voice messages or video evidence bring this information with you to give to the Public Defender or Private Counsel. This will be entered into evidence on the official court record for you.
How to Dress When Going to Court
When you are preparing to go to criminal court you must remember that the court is a very formal place. It is often referred to as, "The hallowed halls of justice".
Do not wear the following:
- Shorts
- Flip Flops
- Baggy Pants
- Gangster T Shirts
- Gangster Wear
(gangsters know what this is) - T Shirts
- Revealing outfits
(ladies know what this is)
How to Act in Court
- Always try to arrive 10 minutes early for court. It is better to be 10 minutes early then 5 minutes late. Your freedom and outcome of the case depend on punctuality.
- If you are lost at any courthouse and don't know where to go make sure to check with the Criminal Court Clerk. The clerk has a record of all cases ongoing. Provide to the clerk your name and date of birth. The clerk will look you up on the computer system and tell you what division or department to go to.
- When arriving in the proper department always check in with the Bailiff. The Bailiff is the court sheriff or marshal with a badge on. Give the Bailiff your name and take a seat. The Public Defender or your private counsel will handle you from here.
