If you’ve been accused of a crime and are facing a preliminary hearing or a full jury trial, you can do yourself a favor by taking some initial precautions in advance. Here are a few pieces of advice for appearing in court.
Tip 1: Hire an Attorney
While the state is obligated to hire a lawyer on your behalf, you don’t know if you will be getting a competent representative. Hiring your own attorney is the best way to research your representative and see his or her track record before putting your life and freedom in their hands.
Tip 2: Dress to Impress
You don’t have to wear a three-piece suit to court, but it may help you to look presentable. Clean, pressed clothes and a shower can do wonders for how a jury views you. It indicates to everyone that you’re taking these proceedings seriously and that you care about your appearance.
Tip 3: Be Polite
You may not care what other people think of you, but do your best to be polite to everyone there. Rudeness and disrespect can alter how people regard you. If a jury member was determined to hear your side of the story, he or she might decide that you probablydid commit the crime because you’re so unpleasant to those around you. Being polite demonstrates that you’re capable of following societal norms, which means you’re less likely to have committed a crime.
Tip 4: Stay on Point
Your lawyer will likely coach you on how to testify in your circumstances. Because your lawyer has the most experience in these situations, it’s best to follow his or her instructions. The courtroom can be a heated place, and if you feel like an injustice is being done, it can be hard to keep your arguments to yourself. Try to keep from losing your temper.
For more information on how to conduct yourself or what to expect, or to begin a case, don’t hesitate to call our experienced Mesa criminal defense attorneys. Naegle & Crider Criminal Defense Attorneys have a reputation for being fierce legal advocates for our clients. Let us see what our highly rated lawyers can do for you and your case. Request a free, no-obligation consultation today.
Call us at (480) 418-0776 or fill out our online form to tell us about your case.