Understanding the Criminal Justice System
If you’re facing a criminal charge in Indiana that will go to trial, your lawyer isn’t the only one that needs to be prepared. As a defendant, the judge and jury will scrutinize your every move. You need to show that they can trust and believe you. Here are the top four mistakes criminal defendants make at trial.
You must arrive at your trial on time. You want to make sure the judge and jury know that you care about the proceedings and respect their time. If you do not arrive on time, the Court may sanction you or even order a bench warrant for your arrest. In other words, you could wind up in even more trouble than before. If an unavoidable situation occurs on the morning of your trial and you believe you will be late, you must immediately contact your criminal defense lawyer. They will notify the Court and smooth the situation.
You must show the Court proper respect during the trial, even if you believe the charges are unfair. You show respect by standing when the judge enters or leaves the courtroom, following instructions and orders promptly, remaining attentive and calm during the proceedings, and answering questions in a clear voice. The judge can find you in contempt of court for failing to adhere to these rules, and you could face fines or jail time for the charge.
Criminal defendants should exercise self-control in Court at all times. Maintaining your temper can be difficult, particularly when a witness gives misleading or damaging testimony, or the prosecutor says something that provokes you. But shouting, slamming a fist on the table, making a wisecrack, rolling your eyes, or showing aggression can leave a terrible impression and work against you.
Your trial isn’t the time to flaunt your personality through style choices. The safest bet is to opt for neat, professional attire in a neutral color, such as navy blue, black, grey, or white. Don’t forget to groom yourself well, taking particular care to comb your hair and trim facial hair. If your attorney has special dress recommendations in light of the charges against you, follow their advice.
If you have been arrested for a criminal offense in Indiana, contact the criminal defense lawyers of Razumich & Associates right away. We stand ready to fight for your rights.
