Preparing for your court date

Going to court can be a stressful thing.  It is important to dress appropriately for court.  When you go to court you want to show up looking respectable.  Don’t go to court wearing flip flops or anything with disrespectful logos.  Remember the judge is going to see you and your appearance is his first impression of you.  If you have a lot of tattoos, try to cover some of them up if you can.  It is very important to arrive on time to court.  If it is your first time going to court, go a little early so you can find parking and figure out which court room you are supposed to be in.  Most courts have lists or screens with defendant names and court rooms.

Once you arrive at court, remember to turn your phone off or put it on silent, the court will not be happy if your cell phone starts ringing in the court room.   Once you find the court room you are supposed to report to, some courts have you check in with the bailiff.  The first court date is the arraignment.  At the arraignment the judge will read you the charges that you are being charged with.  After reading the charges the judge will as you how you plea.  It is your choice on how you plea, you can say Guilty, Not guilty or no contest.  Pleading guilty will result in you being sentenced for the crime.  A Not Guilty plea means you want to fight your case and the judge will then schedule your next court date for you to come back for.  No contest is basically saying you do not admit you did it but you also do not oppose not doing the crime.

 

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