How To Dress and Behave To Get the Best Treatment
Most people get worried about the basics in DUI court appearances such as what to wear and how to behave. It helps early on to realize that nobody is happy to be in DUI court. You will be there with anywhere from a handful to upwards of 50 people packed into a single courtroom.
A simple task is to dress appropriately. This does not mean necessarily have to wear suit, but you would be a fool to wear jeans and t-shirt. You want to look like you are taking your case seriously. Do not wear any shirt with a slogan on it. Don't wear open toed shoes and remove your hat.
Recommendations in Appearing in DUI Court
Personal Recommendations
Make sure your cell phone is off: Few things get Judge's madder faster than when a cell phone goes off in court.
Leave your sharp things at home or in your car: You will probably have to go through a metal detector on your way into DUI court. Your probably not allowed to bring knives, scissors, fingernail clippers or anything looks like it could be used as weapon. As a rule of thumb, if you wouldn't try board an airplane with it, don't try bringing it to court.
Don't bring food or gum into the courtroom: It is about respect. Even if no sign that says you can't chew gum, you don't want to make the Judge mad, do you?
Shower or bathe: Criminal courtrooms smell like a bad order, as a general rule. Don't be part of the problem and you will immediately gain a measure of respect from the Judge's and prosecutors.
If possible, leave babies and children at home: Some Judge's will not permit babies or young children in their courtrooms. Others will, but will ask you to remove them if they are being rowdy or crying. If you are the sole adult who has brought their kids to court. This could put you in an extremely awkward situation. Because you may have to step out of the courtroom and remove the children. You can't just leave small kids to wander the halls of a criminal court, after all, criminals go there, right? So when possible, leave the children at home. However, you should bring the kids rather than just skipping the court date.
Getting to DUI Court Recommendations
Arrive on time: You should plan to arrive at least 15 minutes earlier than your scheduled court date. That way, if something happens you have build yourself a cushion. You are trying to defend yourself against a serious criminal charge. You don't want to have to explain or justify tardiness on top of your DUI. If you have never been to court before, or traffic in area is unpredictable, make sure you account for unknown. Find out where to park ahead of time, judge how long it will take you to get through security. Plot out the bus routes or make sure you have a reliable friend or relative taking you.
If your license is suspended do not drive to court: By the time you get to court your drivers license may be suspended or restricted. If you drive to court, be aware that you are probably committing a new crime. Police officers know that people drive to court on suspended licenses and watch for suspended drivers. If you get caught your current DUI case might also be hurt.
DUI Court Recommendations
Private lawyers usually go first: If you have a private lawyer, then you can plan to be out of DUI court relatively quickly. This is because, in most courts, prosecutors and Judge's talk to private lawyers first as a professional courtesy. If you have a public defender or if you are representing yourself, see the next paragraph point.
Prepare to be patient: If you have a public defender, chances are that half of the other people in court do to. The public defender has to get through every person. They may take you in alphabetical order, or there may be a sign in sheet which they will call you. Without an attorney you may have a chance to talk with the prosecutor. But you will have to wait until all of the attorneys and public defenders have done so.
How do I address the Judge: Always with respect! Any DUI lawyer can tell you it is common to hear some nervous person address forceful female Judge as "sir". This will not benefit you at all. If you think this might accidentally happen to you, stick with "Judge" or "Your Honor."
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