Law Office of Michael L. Fell
900 Roosevelt Irvine, CA 92620
(949) 585-9055

5 Things to Do to Get Ready for Your Appearance in a California Court

If you’ve never been court before then you’re likely nervous about your upcoming appearance. The best thing you can do for yourself is to get an experienced criminal defense attorney who can help you fight for the best possible outcome. Contact Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055 for a free legal consultation and read on for tips to follow at your first court appearance.

  1. Make sure you know what charges are actually being filed
  2. Many people who are arrested are surprised to know that the charges they were arrested for are not necessarily the charges that will be filed. Once the District Attorney looks over the police report, they may add charges, reduce the charges, or bring up different charges. Remember that the police only need probable cause to arrest you, but the District Attorney has to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt.

    To find out what you’re charged with, either call the District Attorney’s office yourself or work with a criminal defense attorney who will do it for you. One word of warning: Anything you say on the phone to the D.A. or any representative of them can be used against you in court.

  3. Make sure your bail amount is consistent with the bail schedule
  4. There’s a set bail schedule for various offenses and this schedule is a guide for judges. They can set it based on the schedule or raise or lower it. There are many factors involved in what they decide, but if you compare the schedule and your bail amount and find that your bail is much higher or lower, then that can tell you something about what the judge will do with the charges you’re facing.

  5. Get help from your family and friends
  6. It can be very helpful to have friends and family in court. If you have no criminal record and the charges are minor then you may not need them, but if you’re facing more serious charges and are worried that the judge won’t offer bail, then it can be helpful to have people there who may keep you from fleeing.

  7. Take steps to ensure you’re not late
  8. If you end up missing your court date then you’ll have a warrant issued for your arrest. If you get there late then the judge may put your case at the bottom of their list. This situation is stressful enough – don’t make it worse! Before the day of court, find out what courthouse you’re going to and what room. If you’re taking public transportation, plan extra time to get there.

  9. Dress appropriately
  10. Don’t make a fashion statement in court. Dress as nicely as you can. If you have suit, then wear a suit. if you have a nice pair of slacks and a tie, wear that. Women should wear dresses if possible. Whether you’re charged with college crimes or a violent crime – or something in between – dressing nicely can have a positive impact on your case

Of course, the best thing you can do is to have the right criminal defense attorney. Contact Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055 today to request a free legal consultation.