A General Guide To Your Court Day: The Grandmother Rule
By Robert "Bob" Giannini
By Robert "Bob" Giannini
On the day of your court appearance your attorney will probably have specific instructions for you. It should go without saying that you should follow your attorney’s instructions. The following is intended only as a general guide to fill in any gaps in what your attorney may have told you. Where any of these points conflict with what your attorney has told you, do what the attorney said.
• Arrive at court approximately 15 minutes early and have a seat in the courtroom. Your attorney will meet you there. If the court calls your name before the attorney arrives, just stand, respond that you are present and waiting on your attorney.
• If your attorney is not there, don’t discuss the case with anyone. If someone attempts to ask you questions about the case, politely ask them to please wait until your attorney arrives.
• If you are running late please call your attorney’s office so they can inform the court. If you can not reach someone in your attorney’s office, attempt to call the judge’s staff. It will not be a legal excuse, but it may help.
• Stand when spoken to by the judge (except on the witness stand). Speak up in a clear voice loud enough for the judge to hear you, but don’t shout.
• Don’t interrupt the judge. Never interrupt the judge.
• If there is a chance you could loose your license on that day, please arrange for transportation home. Always have the name & number of someone you can call, just in case.
• Do not consume any alcohol 24 hours before court. If the court personnel can smell alcohol they can request that you be given a breath test on the spot, and you could be arrested for contempt of court.
• Don’t do drugs before Court unless prescribed. You don’t want to be under the influence. Also, you may be required to submit to a urine test if placed on probation.
• Know the names of the prescription medications that you require.
• Bring any required documents with you. These could include community service verification, proof of attendance at DUI school or counseling sessions, witness statements, and items you need admitted as evidence.
• Wear comfortable but nice clothes. A suit and tie are nice, but if you are uncomfortable in them it will just make you more nervous. Business casual attire is fine. No jeans and no shorts. Wear a shirt with a collar and good shoes. Please remove any obvious body piercings. Ear rings for women are fine. There is no rule against ear rings for men or other types of piercings for men or women, but remember that judges tend to be conservative. Do not wear pants that are low slung or below the waist line. The object here is to look like an upstanding citizen, not a potential threat to society.
• No chewing gum, eating or drinking in court.
• No sleeping, reading other than legal documents, no texting, and no talking except when it is quite obviously allowed.
• No children in court.
• Be prepared to wait. Court is unpredictable and can often run late.
• No cell phones or beepers are allowed to be turned on in the courtroom.
• The security at most courthouses is similar to that at the airports. No guns, knives, mace, etc, will be allowed in. Some courts will not allow you to bring in your cellphone – consider that if you are being dropped off by someone you might not have a place to leave your phone during court.
• Bring the names, addresses and telephone numbers of your employer and two emergency contact people (who do not live in your home). This information is required by probation.
• Treat everyone with respect and use your manners. Don’t say “uh-huh” or “yeah.” Say “yes sir,” “yes ma’am” and “thank you.”
• And, finally, remember the Grandmother Rule: If in doubt, act, talk, and dress like you would if you were taking your Grandmother to church.
Good luck.
Robert Giannini
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