Being tried on criminal charges can be one of the most stressful events of your life. It's very important that you prepare yourself ahead of time so that your body language and words aren't misconstrued by the jury or judge. The following tips can help you put your best foot forward when you enter the court room.
Tip #1: Understand eye contact
It can be a bit disconcerting to have the jury and judge staring at you throughout the proceedings. The jury in particular tends to study everyone closely, since this is part of their job. This is where your own body language comes into play. You don't want to stare back, since this can be taken as intimidating behavior. Nor do you want to look down or avoid all eye contact, since this makes you look nervous or guilty. Instead, try to to keep eye contact natural and keep your head up instead of staring at the floor.
Tip #2: Dress as naturally as possible
Overdressing for court can make you uncomfortable, and that could mean you are more likely to fidget and look nervous. Although fully casual attire isn't usually appropriate, you don't need to wear a three-piece suit if this type of formal attire makes you uncomfortable. Nice slacks and a dress shirt is sufficient. You can add a sports jacket if desired. Ties are optional, and you can in fact look quite nice in a dress shirt with a Chinese collar, which won't require a tie at all.
Tip #3: Avoid fidget items
Fidgeting when you are sitting and waiting to be called can also be construed as guilty nervousness. If you know that you tend to fidget, then make sure your area is free of temptation. This means making sure pens and other common fidget items are out of reach. Water is often provided, but don't gulp it or play with the glass. The goal is to maintain an outward appearance of calm as far as you are able.
Tip #4: Trust your lawyer
Your lawyer is doing the best they can for you, so make sure you take their advice on any behavioral ticks you need to control during the trial or any advice they provide for when you are speaking or addressing the courtroom. This advice isn't meant as criticism but as help to ensure you get a fair trial with a chance for the best outcome.
For more information, talk to a criminal law firm such as Santore & Santore in your area today.
Share19 August 2016
Like many other people, I admire the important tasks lawyers take on every day. I’m amazed at how knowledgeable general attorneys are about a variety of subjects. These professionals can accomplish many complicated jobs seamlessly, such as representing a client in a civil lawsuit, assisting a business with a merger, and acting on a client’s behalf in a medical malpractice lawsuit. Besides creating detailed legal briefs, they must argue their clients’ cases in court in front of a judge, jurors, and others. On this blog, I hope you will discover how crucial general attorneys are to this country’s legal system.