Courtrooms are serious places. They are where people’s lives and livelihoods are decided. It is important to show respect for the court and the people involved in the proceedings. Here are some tips on preparing yourself before and conducting yourself during your court appearance.

Preparing for Your Court Appearance

• Arrive on Time. This shows respect for the Judge, the court staff, and the other people involved in the proceedings. Arriving on time will allow you time to relax and collect your thoughts before your case is called. If you are running late, call your attorney or the court clerk as soon as possible.
• Map Your Route. Try visiting the courthouse before your appointed day to ensure you know how to get there. This will help you avoid traffic and plan for other delays.
• Leave Early. To account for traffic, accidents, difficulty finding a parking space, and security screenings, try leaving at least 30 minutes before your Google or Apple Maps tells you to be there. You want to arrive on time, as arriving late can hurt and possibly delay your case.
• Bring Documentation. Consult with your attorney before your court appearance as to what documents and other items you may need to bring. In general, it’s always a good idea to bring your identification (a government-issued ID), court documents issued to you, or evidence related to your case.
• Account for Childcare. If able, avoid bringing children with you. Most Judges prohibit minors from being present in the courtroom unless specifically requested. If you must bring a child to court, it is important to talk to them about what to expect and to make sure they are respectful of the courtroom. You should also make sure they are well-behaved and that they do not disrupt the proceedings.
• Dress Appropriately. Courtrooms are professional environments. Dress in business casual attire or better. Avoid wearing anything too casual, revealing, or offensive. If you have tattoos or piercings, consider covering them up. This is not required, but it may be a good idea to avoid drawing attention to them. The most important thing is to dress in a way that shows respect for the Judge and the court system. By dressing appropriately, you can make a good impression and increase your chances of a positive outcome.

During Your Court Appearance

• Turn Off Your Phone. Cell phones are not allowed in the courtroom. If your phone rings, it will be disruptive, and you may be held in contempt of court and fined. If you need to be able to be reached in case of an emergency, it is important to remember that the Judge has the final say on this, and if they say no, you must comply with their instructions.
• Show Respect. Refer to the Judge as “Your Honor” and stand when they and the jury enter or exit the courtroom. Also, stand when speaking to the Judge.
• Be Quiet and Attentive. The proceedings in a courtroom are important and should be given your full attention. If you need to talk to someone, do so quietly to avoid disturbing the proceedings. Do not interrupt others; always let others finish speaking before you interject.
• Limit Movement. Avoid fidgeting or moving around in your seat, as this can disrupt the proceedings. Avoid offensive gestures, such as facial expressions or body language. This can be seen as disrespectful and could lead to contempt of court charges.
• Check Your Emotions. Losing your temper will not help your case and can sometimes worsen things. If you feel yourself getting angry, take a deep breath and calm down before speaking.
• Do Not Talk About Your Case Outside the Courtroom. Someone is always listening, and if a juror overhears you talking about your case, it could cause harm to your case and result in a mistrial.

There are a number of things you can do to prepare for and conduct yourself during your court appearance. By following these tips, you can make a good impression on the Judge and the court staff and increase your chances of a positive outcome in your case. If you are facing a legal issue, speaking with an attorney as soon as possible is important. At Bryan Law Firm, we can help you understand your rights and options and can help you protect your interests, give us a call at 803-775-1263.

Whether you are involved in a wreck, slip and fall, or sustain injuries due to the carelessness of someone else, you may be entitled to compensation. For reliable legal representation, give us a call at 803-775-1263. Bryan Law Firm, located in Sumter, SC, focuses on personal injury law, including automobile wrecks, tractor-trailer wrecks, motorcycle wrecks, bicycle wrecks, slip and fall, and product liability; workers’ compensation; and wrongful death cases.

This is intended for general information purposes only. The information it contains is not legal advice, nor should it be construed as the formation of a lawyer-client relationship. Legal advice is dependent upon the specific circumstances of each situation. Also, the law may vary from state to state. Some information in this guide may not be correct for your state.