Most people are nervous about the first time they appear in court after
being arrested for a crime, particularly if they have no criminal record.
If you’re feeling anxious or dread the day, you’re not alone.
You will probably continue to experience nerves until the appearance is
over, but there are some ways you can better prepare yourself for the
experience.
Let Yourself Be Nervous
It’s okay to be worried or nervous. Most people are when they’re
being accused of a crime, regardless of whether or not they actually committed
it. If you need to speak to a judge, it’s okay to get tongue-tied
or have a dry mouth. Do your best to say what you need to say. The judge
won’t expect you to be eloquent or unaffected by the situation,
and he or she is unlikely to be impatient with a nervous defendant.
Be Polite
The best way to conduct yourself in court is to be polite to everyone,
even the person who might be accusing you. Treat everyone with civility
and respect, and you are likely to receive common courtesy in return.
Even this simple gesture can impress the judge and make him or her less
likely to give you a harsher sentence.
Dress Appropriately
Just as you should act polite, you should look put-together. While you
don’t need to wear a three-piece suit, make sure you are showered,
clean, and look presentable. Slacks, a button-down shirt, and a tie are
fine for men. For women, a conservative top, dress pants or knee-length
skirt, and close-toed shoes are best. Taking care of your appearance might
make you seem less likely to be a criminal, as strange as that sounds.
A clean appearance means you care what other people think of you, which,
to anyone who sees you, might extend to your behavior as well.
If you’re facing a criminal charge, make sure to speak to an experienced
Daytona Beach criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
Law Offices of Robert Stepniak has more than 35 years of combined legal experience to offer your case.
Let us see what we can do to defend your rights and freedom.
Contact us at (386) 253-4750 or fill out our online form to schedule a free case
consultation today.