In the days leading up to your court hearing, you’re probably wondering what you can and can’t do in the courtroom. If you have no previous experience in court, the thought of attending your hearing can be intimidating. At Delta Bail Bonds, we do everything we can to educate our clients about the legal process and courtroom etiquette, so we’ve put together a guide to what you shouldn’t do in court.
Bring Your Children
It’s important for children to understand what’s going on with their parents, but bringing them to court isn’t productive. Most courtrooms don’t allow children once the session has started, and the courtroom staff isn’t responsible for taking care of your kids. Children bring unnecessary noise and disorder to the court, and most judges won’t be happy if you bring them to your hearing. It’s best to hire a babysitter or get help from friends or family, but we strongly advise against bringing anyone under 18 to the courtroom with you.
Wear Casual Clothes
Judges and juries expect the defendant to show respect to the courtroom, which includes the way you dress. Don’t wear your casual clothes to court. This will reflect poorly on you, and it doesn’t make a good impression on anyone in the room. If you’re awaiting your trial in jail, ask a friend or family member to drop a formal outfit off at the jail or with your defense attorney, or else you’ll have to appear in the same clothes you were arrested in.
Prop Your Feet on the Table or Take a Nap
Judges are very protective of their courtrooms, so it’s important to show respect to the courtroom as well as the judge. This means no propping your feet up, napping in the courtroom, or leaning your chair back. You’ll probably be in the courtroom for a long time, but that doesn’t give you an excuse to treat it like your living room. Stay seated and quiet in your chair, only standing when you’re expected to.
Speak Directly to the Judge Without Permission
When you’re in court, there’s a list of rules about how you can interact with the judge. You need to stand when the judge enters the room, introduce yourself only if prompted, and refrain from speaking to the judge directly or approaching the bench unless you get permission. If you have any questions for or about the judge, consult your defense attorney first. Some judges will also have a specific set of rules for their courtroom, which will be announced at the beginning of the session. Listen closely to these rules and commit them to memory.
Get Bailed Out Fast With Delta Bail Bonds
If you’re facing jail time while awaiting your day in court, call Delta Bail Bonds immediately. Our bail bondsmen can post bail for you or your loved one anywhere in the country, 24/7. Don’t miss out on work, school, bills, or important family time by staying in jail. Call us or visit our website to get in touch with an experienced bail bondsman today!