How to Prepare for Your Court Appearance in Providence
If you have been charged with a crime, for anything from DUI to homicide, it is critical that you don’t bungle your first court appearance. The impression you make might influence the outcome of your case, and that could affect your life for a long time to come. Assuming that you have already been released prior to your court appearance, pay attention to the following tips to better prepare for your first appearance.
What Happens at Your First Court Appearance
Be prepared for the following at your first appearance:
- The judge will read you your rights.
- The judge will read the charges against you.
- You may or may not have the opportunity to plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest. This is a critical moment, so talk to a lawyer about it beforehand.
- The judge may set your bail if you have not already paid it.
- You will have the opportunity to request a public defender if you can’t afford to hire a lawyer. It is important to work with a lawyer who has the skills and resources necessary to defend you.
- The judge will set a hearing date.
If your charge is a misdemeanor, you might be able to skip your first hearing and send your lawyer instead. If you have a lawyer, check with them to understand whether you are required to attend the court appearance.
Go to Court a Day Early As an Observer
Court hearings are mostly open to the public. Go to the court where your appearance is scheduled, sit quietly, and watch the proceedings. Sooner or later, you’re likely to observe someone who’s in the same situation as you will be tomorrow—undergoing their first court appearance for a criminal charge. Watch what happens so you’ll know what to expect.
Get a Good Night’s Sleep and Eat Breakfast
Get a full night’s rest if you can, so that you’ll be alert the day of your hearing. Eat a good breakfast, but don’t eat too much.
Dress Professionally
Dress professionally or as well as you can. The old saying, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression,” applies here. Fairly or unfairly, how you dress can make a difference in how the court handles your case.
Don’t Chew Gum
The court is likely to view gum chewing as disrespectful (indeed, it might even violate court rules). You might have a good reason for chewing gum–you can’t smoke in court, for example, and you need nicotine gum. If so, use a nicotine patch instead and leave your gum in your pocket.
Bring Everything You Need
Bring the following items, just in case:
- Cash for parking and any administrative costs,
- A bottle of water,
- A snack bar,
- Breath mints (not gum),
- A notepad,
- A couple of pens, and
Bring a friend or relative with you if you feel more comfortable that way.
Don’t Be Late
You should NOT be late for your appearance. This makes a terrible impression. If you are late enough, the court might issue an arrest warrant on you for failure to appear.
Be Polite
Rise when the judge enters or exits the courtroom, and address the judge as “Your Honor.” Don’t let your emotions get the best of you, and don’t interrupt anyone even if you feel they are telling lies about you. Pay attention to every word the judge says, and wait for your turn to talk. All of this is critical to the impression that you will make on the court that is going to decide your fate.
Talk to a Providence Criminal Lawyer As Soon as You Can
A criminal prosecution can move much faster than you’d like it to. Unfortunately, any lack of preparedness on your part could devastate your chances for a favorable outcome, even if you are innocent. Considering the possibly devastating impact of a criminal conviction on your life (even for a misdemeanor), now is no time for delay. Contact a Providence, RI criminal defense lawyer as soon as you can.
Contact Our Criminal Defense Lawyers from Manosh Payette Criminal Defense Attorneys for Help Today
For more information, please contact the Providence Criminal Defense law firm of Manosh Payette Criminal Defense Attorneys for a free consultation, give us a call at (401) 854-7794.
We serve throughout Providence County in Rhode Island and surrounding areas. Visit our law office at:
Manosh Payette Criminal Defense Attorneys – Providence Office
101 Dyer St Suite 2D,
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 854-7794