BE PREPARED FOR YOUR DAY IN COURT

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Your case is serious business to you, (and me), so the way you dress for Court must be serious and business-like. Soon, you will appear in a courtroom; in front of a Judge. Your personal appearance and your general attitude are very important. Here are some pointers to help you look your best for your Court appearance. The Judge is constantly evaluating your case. Your personal appearance is part of that evaluation. Therefore, it is very important that you carefully consider how you look in Court.

1. BE ON TIME You must be seated in the Courtroom at least 15 minutes before Court starts and your case is called. That means allowing yourself extra time for bad weather, bad traffic, finding the Courthouse, getting parked, and finding the right Courtroom. If you're running late or you're caught in traffic, call my office and let them know. A quick call might just save you a night in jail!

• Failure to Appear: If you are not in Court on time, the Judge may issue a warrant for your arrest and you could be charged with another offense; (failure to appear). On late arrival you may be arrested and jailed until your next court date.
  
  
• Bottom of the List: On your court date, I will not put your name on the list of cases that are ready to be called until I see you in the Courtroom. It's very embarrassing for your case to be called only to find that you are not there. If you are late to Court, your case may end up being placed at the bottom of the list. If your name is not submitted early to the prosecutor or clerk, your case will not be called early. You will sit for hours in a busy Court when you might have been called first or second.
  
  
• If you are absent: On the day of your trial, I cannot play hardball in negotiations with the prosecutor if there is a problem with their case - if you are absent. I also cannot get instructions from you on a plea to a lesser charge or some other settlement - if you are absent. I cannot interview the witnesses you are bringing with you if you are not there. What I do in preparation and negotiations in the one-half hour before your trial starts is every bit as important as the trial itself.
  
  

BE PREPARED FOR YOUR DAY IN COURT

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