My blog focuses on Legal Affairs. Many of us will be drawn into a legal matter or some sort in our lives. If you have to go to court, there are some things that you need to know. The following contributed post is entitled, What You Need to Do Before Attending Court.
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Court is a scary prospect for most people, no matter what the court case that you’re involved in is. It can be even more nerve-wracking if you have to attend criminal court, as the result could have severe consequences.
The good news is that, even if you find yourself in the middle of a court case, you can still make a difference if you’re properly prepared.
Get Legal Counsel
The first thing you should do is to consult a lawyer. This is especially important if you’re at the center of the court case, as either the plaintiff or the defendant. The sooner you get in touch with a lawyer, the sooner that they can start putting a case together for you.
Always be honest with your lawyer. Their job is to make an argument based on the facts, and they need to know all of the facts to begin with. Your lawyer is on your side, so talk to them and be sure to follow their advice and answer any questions they might have.
It’s helpful to contact a lawyer even before your case goes to court. For example, if you’re being interviewed by the police and are a potential suspect to a crime, a criminal defense attorney will make sure that you don’t waive your rights at any point.
The right lawyer can make or break your court case, so choose wisely.
Get the Necessary Documents Together
Another reason to get a lawyer is that they can help you prepare for your day in court. You may be asked to get documents together before you enter court, as they will act as evidence.
Your lawyer will help you with these documents and make sure they’re submitted when needed. They will also help you work out what to say in court in case you are interviewed. Whether you’re a witness, a plaintiff, or a defendant, you need to be prepared to speak in front of the court officials.
Respectful Dress and Attitude
One of the best ways to ensure a good outcome is to present yourself well in court. If you turn up in street clothes and act disrespectfully, either by speaking when you’re not spoken to, or being generally rude to the court officials, you won’t endear yourself to a judge or a jury.
While the ruling of a court case will rely on the facts of the case, your demeanor will impact how others in the court will perceive you. If you are declared guilty, but show yourself to be respectful, you might get a lesser sentence compared to someone who didn’t come across as well.
Even if the court case goes in your favor, extreme disrespect in court might still result in being held in contempt and a few days in jail.
So, be prepared. Get some smart clothes before your court case and make sure that you’re calm and ready to be quiet and respectful. If possible, keep your anxiety under control.
