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Chapter 7 - How to Present Yourself in Court

 

Dress Appropriately

 

Like it or not, the image we convey through our appearance is how we are perceived by others when they first meet us. This is especially true in court, and some courts may even enforce a particular dress code. Most will not allow you to wear hats, shorts, or flip-flips for example.

 

You want to show the judge (and especially the jury if your case goes to trial) that you are a respectable, hardworking, and demure individual who happened to make an unfortunate mistake the night you were arrested for DUI.

For women, this means a pressed skirt or trouser suit, blouse and minimal jewelry. Closed toe, leather shoes should be worn. Open toe shoes or sandals are not acceptable. Hair should be tied back in a neat pony tail or bun. Makeup should be demure, and you may consider hiding any visible tattoos with concealer.

 

For men, a suit and tie should be worn. Hair should be neat, and facial hair should be groomed or cleanly shaven. Do not wear excessive jewelry, hide tattoos, and polish your dress shoes. Buy a pair if you do not own any.

 

Arrive Early

 

You want to allow yourself plenty of time to go through court security – most will have metal detectors at the entrance, and there can often be a long line to get through, find the room number where your case is being heard, meet with your attorney and discuss any particulars that you have not already covered, and brace yourself for what many will find to be a generally daunting experience.

 

Be Polite

 

You should allow your attorney to do the majority of the talking for you. Your attorney will prompt you if an answer is required by you personally. In this case, you should address the judge as “Your honor,” “Sir” or “Ma’am”. You should speak clearly and confidently, but your tone and facial expression should relay that you understand the seriousness of the situation, and that you are certainly not taking it lightly. Smiling, banter, fidgeting, or avoiding eye-contact will certainly not help your cause.

 

Remain Cool, Calm, and Collected

 

Crying, throwing a temper tantrum, disagreeing with the judge or opposing counsel is an extremely bad idea – it will not endear you to the judge, and could even leave you in contempt at court. Even if you feel like bursting into tears, or shouting “Lies!” or, “That’s not what happened!” at the prosecution or their witnesses, such as the arresting police offer, this is the worst possible thing you can do for yourself. You should also refrain from talking to your attorney while evidence is being heard or while they are addressing the judge or court. If you feel you need to relay something to them urgently, make a note on a piece of paper and pass it to them discretely.

 

Even glaring at the prosecution or their witnesses can be construed as intimidation by the judge, and may put you in a bad light. You may be angry and frustrated about the situation you are in, particularly if you feel you have been charged unfairly, and maybe even feel that some of the facts have been fabricated, but you must let your attorney discredit opposing counsel and their witnesses in the manner in which they have been trained.

 

Bring a Close Friend or Family Member for Support – But Leave the Kids at Home

 

Courts can be intimidating places and so you may want to bring a close friend, partner or family member along for moral support. However, you should not bring more than one person along to support you, and you should also not bring any children under the age of 17. You do not want your attention to be divided by worrying about making sure your children are quiet during proceedings, and more than one person with you could also be a distraction.

 

You may think that showing the judge you are a responsible parent will confer sympathy from them – it will not. Your attorney will bring up the fact that you have children to support if and when this is appropriate.

 

Read Chapter 8 - Enrolling in DUI Classes >>

 

The DUI Guide - Content

 

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