Tips for Appearing in Court

If you have been charged with a criminal offense, you may need to appear in court several times before everything is settled. There is your arraignment, where you enter your plea; your preliminary hearing, where the judge decides whether the prosecution has enough evidence against you; and the trial itself, which could last a few hours or drag on for days. Your appearance and behavior at each of these hearings can help your case or damage it.

If you or a loved one has been accused of a crime, you need a Las Vegas criminal defense attorney who knows how to take charge of a courtroom. For experienced legal advice and fierce representation, call Palmer & Associates, P.C. at 702-888-2222.

Maintaining a Good Image

Image is very important during a legal hearing. Like everyone else, judges and juries tend to make snap judgments and act on them. To avoid giving the wrong impression during your trial, make an effort to:

• Dress professionally, but comfortably. If you do not seem to be taking the hearing seriously, people will be less likely to listen to your defense. However, if you are wearing uncomfortable clothing, you may draw too much attention to yourself by fidgeting.
• Control your emotions. Some defendants think that loud emotional displays make them look more sympathetic, but some judges find them irritating or somewhat frightening. Whenever you need to speak, do so clearly and calmly. Try to appear as collected as you can.
• Show respect. Arrive on time, address the judge as “Your Honor,” and listen quietly throughout the hearing. Offended or annoyed judges and juries may hand down a harsher sentence.

A qualified Las Vegas criminal defense attorney can provide additional information about building and maintaining a solid legal case.

Contact Us

Las Vegas criminal lawyers Palmer & Associates, P.C. seize cases and do not let go until we win or exhaust every option. To begin working on your legal defense today, contact us at 702-888-2222.