Facing DUI Charges in Court
When it comes to court appearances, there may nothing worse than the perceived embarrassment of a DUI appearance. You are likely already taking the charges and the court appearance seriously, so the next step is to acquaint yourself with some common court procedures so you can have a good idea what to expect when the time comes. Read on for some tips that will have you more relaxed and prepared to have a successful appearance.
Connect with your attorney: Your lawyer not only has legal knowledge, but they also know how the local courts are run. They often are familiar with the judges, giving them vital information about what you can expect and the best way to present yourself to that judge.
Be dressed appropriately: Try to strike a balance between overdoing it and being too casual. There may be no need to spend a lot of money on a new suit or outfit for the occasion, as long as you choose appropriate garb that doesn't end up insulting the court. Avoid shorts, tank tops, sandals, revealing tops, graphic tees, and short skirts, and leave your headwear at home. Men cannot go wrong with a dress shirt or polo shirt tucked into khakis or dress pants. Women have more choices, but it's a good idea to stick to conservative tops and bottoms or dresses. This is the time to show your respect for the justice system, and your level of maturity may have a direct effect on lessening the impact of your DUI charge.
Address the judge correctly: One the most important things to keep in mind about speaking to judge is to use a respectful tone and to only speak when you are directly addressed. Local customs can dictate exact forms of address, with some DUI hearings being fairly casual in some locales and some more formal. If in doubt, use "your honor" or "judge," and try to include this address in all your answers. For example, you might say "yes, your honor, I understand the seriousness of the DUI charges against me". Additionally, be sure you:
1. Avoid using hand gestures and head movements to answer questions. It is your spoken word that is being recorded here.
2. Use a moderately loud tone of voice. Avoid mumbling, curse words, and using filler words such as "you know" and "like".
3. Look directly at the judge when speaking; it is their opinion of your case that matters the most.
To get more tips on courtroom behavior for your DUI appearance, talk with a drug possession laywer like The Mitchell Law Firm before the big day.