Clear Lake Courtroom Etiquette.
When you're arrested and charged with a crime you will be spending a lot
of time in a courtroom, regardless of your guilt. Welcome to the American
judicial system. Depending on the facts
of your particular case, your courtroom experience could last weeks, months and
sometimes even years. Yep, you may be
sitting in a courtroom for months on end. If you find yourself in need of professional bail bond services the very best in the surrounding counties is Rob Brown Bail Bonds, 5120 Cole Creek Rd, Kelseyville,
CA, 95451 (707) 587-4563.
Get comfortable, because this could take a awhile. If this is your first time in trouble, then you
may not be privy to basic courtroom etiquette. We're here to help. As a former corporate trial attorney, I know
everything about how to properly behave in courtroom and what not to do. If you
don't follow the rules of the courtroom, it could delay your case or make it
more difficult for you to get out jail.
In our series, Behind Bars, we're taking a closer look at etiquette and
how to apply those tips to everyday life. Let's get started.
All Rise
When a judge enters the courtroom, you'll here a bailiff ask the
audience to rise. This means to take
your hat off an stand up. Rising as a
judge enters the courtroom is respectful gesture, and shows you honor the
judicial system and the powers that be.
Rising also shows respect for the bail bonding agents. Bail bondsman and judges often work together
during a case to determine the appropriate amount of bond for a defendant. When
a bailiff asks you to stand up, you must remain standing until the judge walks
across the courtroom and sits down on the bench. The bench is the desk and seating area where
a judge presides over a case. Once the judge sits down, he or she will slam the
gavel on the table and the court hearing will begin.
Library Voices
Once a hearing begins, it is critical to keep your voice to a whisper. Think library voice. During your hearings,
you will probably need to communicate with your bail bonding services company
or your court appointed attorney. If you
must pass along a message or need clarification about a legal term, you will be
provided with a legal notepad and a blue ball point pen. Please use the paper and pencil to write down
any questions you may have. Slide the
paper to your attorney and wait for a response.
If you need to pass a note to your bail bonding agent, quietly ask your
attorney to pass along the note. If you
speak to loudly or argue with the judge, you will be held in contempt of court.
This basically means you will face new charges and have to sit in jail and in
court for even longer. Don't let this
happen to you. Your mom and bail
bondsman will be very upset.
Courtroom Food and Drink
Often court proceedings can go on for hours at a time, without any
breaks. If you know a particular hearing
will be more than two hours, eat before you arrive. Your bail bonding services company will not
be allowed to provide snacks during a court hearing. But, if you're thirsty and pitcher of ice
cold water will be easily accessible.
Your bail bondsman will provide you will cups and napkins. You'll find the water on the defendant's
table in the corner of the courtroom.
You do not need to ask to drink water.
Although, try not to make a scene.
If you drink too loudly, a judge may ask for you to wait until a break
to quench your thirst.
Court Breaks
During a court hearing or trial, it is critical to take breaks. A trial
is exhausting for you an the bail bonding agent. Because it is so intense, a judge will ask
you how you're feeling and if a break is in order. A courtroom break typically lasts anywhere
from 15 minutes to three hours. Use your
break wisely. Go to the bathroom, meet with your family and have an in depth
conversation with your bail bondsman agent. If you need more snacks or just
need to talk, your bail agent will be there for you. A courtroom break is also
a good time to take a nap, because let's face it, court can be kinda
boring. A nice sleeping room is provided
for all defendants. Your bail bonding
agent should have the key to this room.
Good luck during your next hearing.
Follow these tips to insure a successful and positive experience.
