HOW TO DRESS FOR AND ACT
        DURING COURT APPEARANCES

A practical approach to giving a better image to the Judge whenever you appear before the Court. Many Defendants don't know how to dress or what to do when they go before a Judge. This will give them a good idea about both.

1. You Never Get a Second Chance to Make a Good First Impression
When you first appear before a Judge, they will look at you for a moment and form a first impression of you that lasts well beyond that first look. Therefore, it’s always best to dress as if you are going to Church or a Wedding. Clothes make a difference. Get a haircut, wear a suit and tie and shine your shoes (no sneakers). If this sounds like too much for you to do, don't do it and then watch what others look like when they go to court and see what happens to their cases. Unfortunately, clothes do make the man and they make a difference. Just use your own experiences and see how you react when you see an attorney in the court corridors who is dressed well versus those that are dressed sloppily or in clothing that doesn't match. Don't ever wear disrespectful clothing, such as a T-shirt with profanity on the back so that when you walk away, the Judge sees it. I've seen people go to jail for that little joke. They're not laughing as they go to jail.

2. Always Act Respectfully
Before your case is called, sit quietly in the gallery and observe what is going on with all the other cases. Don't read a newspaper or a book. Watch and learn from other cases. When your case is called, approach the Court respectfully and stand next to your attorney. Always look the Judge directly in the eye. Don't look down or away. It gives the wrong impression. Don't put your hands in your pockets. Keep them at your sides. Don't chew gum or mints. The Judge or Court Officers will notice and make you spit it out in front of the entire courtroom and it will reflect badly upon you. When addressed by the Court, respond with "Yes, your Honor" or "Yes or No Sir or Ma’am". This will show your respect for the Court. If you have a question, ask your attorney first, rather than addressing the Judge directly. If you do these few things, it will make a big difference in how you are perceived by the Judge and DA and that can make a big difference in the long run.

3. Never Say Anything in a Court Corridor That Could Hurt Your Case
Many people talk on their cell phones in the Court corridors and think nothing of it, however, many Court Officers and DAs walk in those corridors and can overhear cell phone conversations easily. Therefore, it’s best to never say anything that could hurt your case in those corridors. Anything you say can be held against you if overheard by law enforcement personnel. It has happened before. Don't let it happen to you.