What Do I Say When I Go To Court?
Posted on Apr 5, 2011 1:34pm PDT
I totally understand that for most people the only contact they have with a criminal court is what they see on television shows like "Law and Order." In most of these shows they make a production of the defendant standing up in open court and stating his innocence. It is quite dramatic what with the background music reaching a crescendo, a courtroom full of reporters, and all parties sweating the next step. In reality, a defendant never has to announce his plea in open court at their first appearance, even when it is a highly publicized case there are only at most, a handful of reporters and one camera crew, and I have yet to hear any music at the criminal courthouse. On the first court date the criminal attorney quietly lets the court know that they will be representing you, will be reviewing the offense report, and will be starting the process of representing you. Most clients are relieved to know that it is highly unlikely they will be speaking to anyone on their first court date, let alone the open court or Judge.