If you have not spent much time inside the court, you may be confused about what to wear to your first court hearing. Believe it or not, most people do not know the basics of acting properly in court, which makes a bad impression. Dressing and behaving appropriately is the key.
The good news is that learning court etiquette is not hard or complex. Knowing what to do can save you from giving a bad impression. It also makes you look like you take the case seriously. Houston DWI attorneys can help you avoid mistakes and ensure the case runs smoothly.
Tips for making a good impression in court
- Turn your cell phone off.
This is a common rule, but you may be surprised by the number of people who do not turn their phones off. When the judge is listening to the lawyers or making a judgment, they do not want to be interrupted by the sound of a message notification or a phone call.
- Do not carry sharp objects inside the courtroom.
Before entering the DUI court in Houston, you will need to walk through a metal detector machine. If you have any kind of sharp, metal object on you, it may raise suspicions. Make sure you leave scissors, knives, fingernail clippers, or anything that can be used as a potential weapon at home.
- Do not eat inside the courtroom.
Nobody goes inside the courtroom to have a picnic with their loved ones. However, some people have given off a bad impression by eating snacks while waiting for their turn or chewing gum during their hearing.
- Take a shower.
One thing you want to make sure of on your court hearing date is that you are clean and tidy. Not only must you wear clean clothes but you should also appear clean. You do not want to smell bad and give off a bad impression to worsen the situation.
- Leave small babies and children at home.
The courtroom is not a place where you would want your problematic kids to scream, shout and cry. Some courtrooms do not allow children at all, and the ones that do will ask you to remove them if they start being rowdy or crying. When this happens, you may need to keep your children outside of the room unattended, something which no parent wants. Therefore, it is better to leave them at home.
- Arrive on time.
Lastly, one of the most important things to do is arrive at the courtroom at the right time. It is recommended to arrive 15 minutes early. Ensure you know the route to the court and check the traffic status to determine when you should start your journey.
