Learn the 5 Tips That Can Help You Get Ready for an Appearance in Court

Learn the 5 Tips That Can Help You Get Ready for an Appearance in Court

Getting ready to go to court is not anyone’s idea of a good time but if you follow some simple tips, you can ensure a better experience. First and foremost, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side. While the following tips can be helpful, there’s no substitute for an experienced attorney. Read on to learn more and then contact Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088 for a legal consultation.

  1. Be prepared for the charges against you
  2. When we tell you to be prepared for the charges being brought against you, we’re not talking about the charges you were arrested for. In a criminal case, remember that the police just need probable cause to arrest you for a crime. The prosecution must then prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt. If they’re not able to do that, then they may end up charging you with a less sever crime than you were arrested for.

    Of course, on the other side of things, you could be charged with additional crimes. The key is to not be surprised on the day of your court appearance. The best way to know what charges you’ll be facing is to work with an attorney who will stay on top of things. Otherwise, you can contact the DA directly but remember that anything you say to them can be used against you.

  3. Consider where your bail is against the scheduled bail
  4. Each crime has a bail schedule amount that gives the judge an idea of where to start with bail. The judge then decides if it should be more or less than that based on the circumstances of your case. If you want an idea of how the judge views the seriousness of your offense and the strength of the evidence against you, compare your bail to the recommended amount. A lower bail amount may mean the judge doesn’t believe the charges against you are that serious or valid, while a much higher bail amount may not be a good sign.

  5. Get your friends and family on your side
  6. Having friends and family there can be good for your morale but it’s also good for the judge to see. If they’re considering not offering you bail, it can be helpful to see that you’re a member of a community, whether that’s friends or family.

  7. Don’t be late
  8. If miss your date entirely, a warrant will be issued for your arrest. If you’re late, then your case will likely be put to the back of the list. Get there on time! Find out which courthouse to go to and which courtroom you’ll be in. Make plans ahead of time and allow extra time.

  9. Dress nicely
  10. You don’t have to go out and buy a suit – though if you have one you should wear it. That said, make sure that you dress as nicely as you can. Wear a tie. Don’t wear jeans. Show that you’re taking this seriously and the judge is more likely to look favorably at your case.

.
Call Us Today