Preparing for Criminal Court

It is important to be prepared, understand the rules and know what to expect before walking into a California court. How you behave in court may affect the outcome of your case. This begins at home when you are getting dressed for your court appearance. You don't have to wear a suit, although that is a good idea, but you should dress as neatly as possible, as if you were trying to land a job or going to church.

Do not wear jeans, short skirts, t-shirts, sleeveless or midriff-baring tops, or sneakers. Avoid bright colors, clothes with logos or words on them, tight or provocative clothing, and excessive amounts of jewelry or make-up. A good rule of thumb is that if it's something you would wear for a night out with your friends, do not wear it in a California court.

Choose dark, subdued colors for court. Wear long-sleeved shirts that button up and slacks if you're a man, and a nice blouse and pants or a dress if you are a woman. Wear an undershirt or a bra. Make sure your clothes are clean and do not have holes. Keep your pants pulled up so that your underwear does not show, and tuck in your shirt before going into court.

Getting to court

There are more than 460 court locations in California. Before your court date arrives, you should find out where the court is, where you will be able to park, and what time you have to be there. Get to the courthouse early. Do not be late or fail to show up for court. Tardiness will annoy the judge and make it more difficult for your defense attorney to do his job. If you miss an appearance in a California court, the judge will issue a bench warrant for your Arrested.

California courts take security very seriously. Do not, under any circumstances, try to take a gun, knife or anything else that can be construed as a weapon into the courthouse. You will have to pass through a metal detector at the entrance. Carry only what you need. Any purses or backpacks will be searched, and you may not be able to take larger bags in with you.

Turn off your cell phone and remove your hat outside the courtroom. Do not take food or drinks in with you. Spit out your gum. Judges tend to get very annoyed when they see someone chewing gum in a California court.

When you go into court, there should be seating for the public in the rear, probably separated from the front of the courtroom by a low divider with a gate. The judge's dais will be in the front, usually with a desk for his clerk nearby, and the defense and prosecution will each have a table in front of the judge. The witness stand will be to one side of the judge, and the court reporter will be close to the stand. The jury box will be along one side of the room.

You should also see a few bailiffs in deputy sheriff uniforms. They are responsible for enforcing the rules in California courts.

Proper behavior for court

Have a seat, either in the public gallery, or at the defense table if your defense attorney is there, and wait for your case to be called.

Stand when the judge enters the room, and the bailiff calls the court to order. Since you have a defense attorney, you will not need to speak very often in a California court. In fact, you should only speak when spoken to first. If the judge talks to you, stand and address him as, "Your Honor." Speak loudly and clearly, so that the court reporter and the judge can hear you. Do not use profanity or slang terms. Say "yes sir" and "no sir." Headshakes and nods will not work.

Do not turn around in your seat to speak to or exchange looks with family and friends in the gallery. Never, while in court or during breaks, try to make any contact with jurors. Do not roll your eyes, make noises or otherwise respond when the prosecution is speaking or a witness is testifying.

Following these suggestions for how to behave in a California court is critical to your case. Remember, when you step into the criminal courtroom, you are there to be judged, and everything you say and do counts.