5 Tips for Your First Appearance in Criminal Court

May 28, 2019
By Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP

Appearing in court for the first time can be one of the most intimidating and stressful experiences you will ever endure, but it doesn’t have to be. While you are undoubtedly full of questions and concerns about this daunting situation, there are a number of ways you can ensure this process resolves smoothly and painlessly.

Remember these tips to prepare for the process:

  1. You will be nervous, which is to be expected. Take a deep breath, pace yourself, and remember you are not alone when you have a strongminded attorney on your side.
  2. Be polite and respectful to everyone from the moment you enter the courthouse. First impressions matter and there is no easier way to ruin your chances of a positive outcome than by cultivating a reputation of being difficult or rude. Only speak when spoken to and refer to the judge as, “your Honor.”
  3. Be early.
  4. Dress professionally and appropriately. Showing your personality is not the main priority, so keep it simple with no jewelry, visible tattoos, or revealing clothes.
  5. Keep your emotions in check whether you are happy or dissatisfied with the outcome. Acting smug or angry will work against you as the judge will immediately pick up on your body language.  

Seeking an Aggressive & Dedicated Ventura Criminal Defense Lawyer? Contact Us

At Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP, we are backed by over 50 years of experience in successfully delivering our clients the results they deserve. We believe in exhausting every option to ensure you are free from the wrath of the criminal justice system. Our legal team is devoted to finding solutions and employing effective strategies to ensure your success.

Would you like to schedule an initial consultation with a member of our team? Call us at your earliest convenience at (805) 819-7143.

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