If you have run afoul with the law and are set to make your first or latest appearance in court in the coming days, how you proceed in the immediate future can have a significant impact on the outcome of your case. And while all cases and situations are different, we’ve found that three pieces of advice can help to set you up for success if you’re facing a criminal trial. In today’s, blog, we share three pieces of advice you’ll want to keep in mind ahead of your criminal trial.
Three Things To Remember Before Trial
Here are three things we want all of our clients to remember as their trial date approaches:
1. Be Careful Who You Take Advice From – It is in your best interest to make sure that you are following the advice your lawyer as your court date approaches. Be careful taking advice from friends or even family members, especially if it goes against anything your lawyer has said. For example, if your lawyer tells you not to contact the alleged victim, and your friend tells you to text them to see if they’ll consider dropping the charges, don’t reach out to them. Even when others have our best interests at heart, their advice can end up being misguided, so stick to the advice of your lawyer.
2. Follow Through On Your Word – If you say you are going to do something, make sure that you follow through and keep your word. If you tell your lawyer you’ll get back to them ASAP, get back to them as soon as possible. If you tell your lawyer that you’ll attend AA, show up to the meetings. If you tell your lawyer that you’ll be on time for all your meetings and court appearances, make sure you’re there early. This makes the process much easier for your lawyer, and it tends to help put you in a better position in the eyes of the court.
3. Be Pleasant And Respectful – Finally, we understand that you might be angry or frustrated with your current situation, but you need to find a way to set those feelings aside and be pleasant and respectful when involved in court matters. Address the judge as “Your honor,” speak clearly and understand that it’s not just what you say in court, but how you say it. How you address the judge and communicate in court may seem like a minor issue, but it can make a major difference in how your case plays out. It may not end up changing the verdict, but that same judge will oversee sentencing or the imposition of any fines and fees, and being respectful throughout court can go a long way in increasing your likelihood of a favorable sentence. It doesn’t take much effort at all to be respectful, so give that effort and be pleasant for the court.
If you do all of these things and you trust your defense to the guard dogs at Appelman Law Firm, we’re confident that you’ll be satisfied with the outcome of your case. For more information, or for help with a criminal matter, reach out to Avery and the team at Appelman Law Firm today at (952) 224-2277.
