Guide to Your First Court Appearance
If you are planning to go to court for the first time, it can be a nerve-wracking new experience. Friends and family members may give you tips, but being prepared for court goes beyond listening to shared stories. By doing a little research and taking the time to prepare, you can help yourself navigate the justice system, whether you are attending court for jury duty, to testify as a witness, or because you have been charged with a crime.
First, figure out where and when you are required to appear. If you received a notice in the mail to appear as a witness or for jury duty, read the notice. It should specify the courthouse, room or courtroom, date, and time. If you are represented by an attorney in the case that is in court, check with your attorney to ensure you show up at the right place and right time.
Look up a map or directory of the courthouse, if available, and check for the parking location and where the courtroom is located. All courthouses have some level of security, usually including a metal detector and X-ray machines. Getting through the security line could take time, and you cannot bring certain prohibited items, such as weapons, into court. Plan ahead.
When you go to court, allow plenty of time for arrival and be in the courtroom a few minutes early, or waiting outside if it is closed. Have your case name and case number handy and bring any paperwork that may be discussed, such as the motion that the judge is hearing or the notice you received in the mail. If you have an attorney who is attending with you, he will probably bring most paperwork. Check with your attorney to see if there is anything he wants you to bring along.
As to the dress code, many courthouses have dress standards or at minimum go by “no shirt, no shoes, no service”, and jurors may be asked to dress appropriately as well. If you are a witness or a party to a case, dress conservatively to show respect for the court and the judge. Turn off your cell phones and electronic devices, and avoid bringing food or drink into the courtroom.
After you arrive in the courtroom, generally you will sit in the seats closer to the door or to the back of the room. The judge will come out from his chambers (like a back office) after the court clerk or bailiff calls the court to order. Then the judge will call cases one by one, if there is more than one case being heard in that courtroom at that time. When your case is called, go up to the counsel tables or lecturn, or follow the judge, clerk, or bailiff’s instructions. Address the judge as “Your Honor” when you speak to him, and be polite and deferential. Any outbursts or language may result in contempt of court charges.
Again, if you have an attorney, check with the attorney ahead of time to determine if you need to speak to the judge at all, or if the attorney will communicate for you. Your attorney can explain more about any legal terminology or case citations that are mentioned and talk to you about your options moving forward.
Facing your first court appearance and need an attorney for DUI charges in Oklahoma? Seek out the attorney who is in court nearly every day and teaches other attorneys and law enforcement about sobriety testing techniques. Clint Patterson, Esq., of Patterson Law Firm, a former Tulsa prosecutor now using his trial experience and expert-level knowledge of DUI science to defend drivers, has the experience and the insight to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your case. To schedule a case evaluation, visit Patterson Law Firm online or call Clint’s office at (918) 550-9175.