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Tag: Courtroom Etiquette

How To Prepare For Your First Court Appearance

Written by kwmlaw on . Posted in Kelly & West News.

The time leading up to your first court appearance may be full of anxiety and nervousness. For many people, the thought of going to court is intimidating. Most of us have never set foot in a courtroom besides reporting for jury duty. You probably have a general sense of what a courtroom is like: lots of rules and formalities, but you have never actually sat before a judge.

Learning what to expect during your first court experience will help you stay calm throughout the process.

Research Your First Court Appearance

Whenever you are venturing into new experiences, it is helpful to do some research. We do this when we go on vacation or buy a car, and you probably did this when you shopped around for the right attorney for your case. Educate yourself on courtroom etiquette and jargon. Research your specific situation and determine what to expect during your first court appearance.

Trust your lawyer, but don’t be blind to the proceedings. If you have time, learn the statutes and relevant rulings according to your case. Preparing in this way will help you to relax when your day in court comes. After all, knowledge is power. Jot down any questions and talk to your attorney about any specific points that are causing you to feel apprehensive.

Get Organized For Your First Court Appearance

You want to be as prepared as possible for your first court appearance. Preparing will help reduce some anxieties about the day because you will have done your part. Make sure you have all of your documents and paperwork in order. Review the facts of your case. Speak to your attorney well ahead of time and make sure they have everything they need from you for your first appearance. If you come across anything during your research that you have questions about, make sure to address those with your attorney as well.

What to Wear During Your First Court Appearance

Planning your outfit is a must. Dress as if you are going to a formal business meeting, networking event, or job interview. Conservative clothing that is neutral in color and pattern works best. You don’t want to stand out in court. A pair of slacks, a blouse, some comfortable flats, and a red blazer would work well. You don’t want to go so far as to feel uncomfortable in court, but try to maintain a tailored look.

You are striving for a professional, yet conservative look so you need to consider how you will style your hair, apply your make up, and what accessories you will bring with you. You are aiming for a tame, kept look. If you usually wear a hat, skip it on court day. Skip distracting jewelry, especially an armload of bracelets that tend to clink and rattle off each other. If you usually secure your wallet with a heavy silver chain, think about stashing it in your coat pocket for the day instead, especially since you’ll have to pass through a metal detector anyway. You will likely speak very little during your first court appearance, but your appearance speaks for you while you are silent.

How to Behave During Your First Court Appearance

You’ve probably watched Judge Judy or at least have a general idea of the show. The best thing to be in court is quiet. While appearing in court, it’s imperative that you remain calm and collected. You may be feeling nervous, but try to stay levelheaded. You should act respectful and genuine, and this includes never interrupting a judge or your attorney. Even if you are unhappy about the outcome of your first court appearance, you can address that after you leave the courtroom.

Plan the Day of Your First Court Appearance

Appearing in court is no small matter. Planning your entire day around your first court appearance is smart. You do not want to have any commitments that could potentially conflict with your court date. Do not schedule anything right before or after your appearance; you may not know how long the overall process is going to take. You also cannot anticipate how you will feel emotionally after your court appearance, so it’s a good idea to take the entire day off from work if possible.

Plan to arrive at the courthouse early; you don’t want to be late. If you are uncertain about parking or getting there, schedule extra time for yourself. If possible, it’s always a good idea to visit the courthouse before your actual appearance; that way you can figure out where to park, which door to enter through, and any little ins and outs of the courthouse itself. You will also collect some good ideas of proper dress and attire for a court appearance. Planning your driving route, anticipating traffic and parking, and knowing where to enter the courthouse will help eliminate several unknown variables before your court date even arrives.

Once your first court appearance is over, you will better know what to expect, but until that time, the discomfort of the unknown can be stressful. We’ll go over what to expect about your specific case, of course, before you appear. 

What You May Not Know About Courtroom Etiquette

Written by kwmlaw on . Posted in Kelly & West News.

As attorneys at law, our position consists of providing the facts pertaining to each individual case. But knowing facts and law is only the beginning to becoming a good attorney. There are certain procedures that attorneys have to abide by in the courtroom. Having proper etiquette within the courtroom can determine whether or not the judge decides to rule in your favor. Talk, dress, presentation, behavior, and organization are all major factors that need to be considered when in preparation for a case.

Preparation is key to the way you deliver your case in the courtroom.

  1. 1. Your appearance says more than you know.
    • The first impression is extremely important. The judge will notice your appearance before anything else.
    • Dress in professional attire: men in a suit and tie, and women in a suit or dress.
    • Grooming is also important to your appearance. Men should be clean-shaven or have trimmed and neat facial hair.
  1. 2. Being early is better than being late.
    • Always arrive early to your case with your appearance slips.
    • Allow for flexibility in your schedule. Prepare for the unexpected; traffic and weather are important to take into account.
    • Late arrival is disrespectful and will reflect poorly upon your performance.
  1. 3. Be ready.
    • Know your facts and develop a strategy.
    • Have your supplies and papers in order, and ready to turn in.
    • Be alert and close by for the call of your case.
Photo by Mdesigns / CC0
Photo by Mdesigns / CC0

The presentation of your case means everything.

  1. 1. Be organized.
    • Negligence of preparation is frowned upon in the courtroom and considered to be insulting.
    • A judge may rule unfavorably to your case if you appear to be disconnected and disorderly.
  1. 2. Act appropriately.
    • Be quiet upon entering the courtroom.
    • Act ethically and responsibly for the duration of your attendance.
    • Do not use your cell phone.
    • Do not eat food or chew gum.
  1. 3. The judge represents the law.
    • Stand immediately when the judge enters or leaves the courtroom.
    • Bow to the judge and do not take your seat until the judge does so.
    • Refer to the judge as “Your Honor” or “The Court.”
    • Always ask to approach the bench and never speak over the judge.
    • Present your arguments to the judge but do not ever argue with the judge.
    • The judge is the ultimate authority in the courtroom.

We know that there are a lot of different rules and procedures to abide by when in the courtroom. Our attorneys have been trained to follow proper etiquette. You can rest, assured that the attorneys at Kelly & West will represent you with the utmost professionalism.