- You should contact the person who has asked you to appear, whether it was by a subpoena or just a request, to make sure that the hearing is still scheduled for that date and time. Court dockets are extremely crowded and schedules often change, so you can save yourself time and money by verifying when your attendance is required. In Houston County, the District Attorney’s subpoenas indicate at the very top of the subpoena who the contact person is. Please retain that subpoena and call that person for more details.
- You should make sure you arrive in plenty of time. Again, court dockets are hectic and if you are late you could throw off the entire schedule. Also, if you are late, the judge could hold you in contempt which could even mean jail. Be on time.
- Dress appropriately. Court is a dignified proceeding and should be treated as such.
- For men: Khakis and a polo shirt at a minimum. A dress shirt and dress pants are always appropriate. Blue jeans, shorts, pants with holes in them, baggy pants, tank tops, t-shirts, any shirt with lettering on it, and any type of informal clothing is not allowed.
- For women: Khakis, dresses, skirts, simple blouses or polo shirts are always allowed. No dresses or skirts with slits that are revealing, no low-cut blouses, no t-shirts, no blue jeans, tank tops, or “night club” dress are allowed.
- This seems blatantly obvious, but shoes are a must. No flip-flops, Crocs, slippers or the like. Court is not the same as the beach.
- For men: Khakis and a polo shirt at a minimum. A dress shirt and dress pants are always appropriate. Blue jeans, shorts, pants with holes in them, baggy pants, tank tops, t-shirts, any shirt with lettering on it, and any type of informal clothing is not allowed.
- Do not appear intoxicated. It will get you jail time. We guarantee it.
- You should not discuss your testimony with anyone other than the attorneys and investigators. Do not talk about your testimony to other witnesses, the general public, jurors or anyone. It is called the “Rule of Sequestration” and you are bound by it.
- Understand that court doesn’t run like a bus schedule. Due to how witnesses testify, it is possible you could be required to wait for your turn to testify. Patience is a virtue.
- When you testify, first and foremost, tell the truth. Answer the questions you are asked if you can. Do not argue with the attorneys. Be polite. You are always allowed to explain your answer, so if you get asked a “yes or no” question, answer it “yes” or “no”, but then explain your answer.
- Once your testimony is finished, you may be excused, which means that you are free to leave. However, unless you are excused by the judge, you are not free to leave and you must wait in the witness area until you are excused.
Newer Content:
- 10/15/2008 - 2009 Project Safe Neighborhoods Calendar
- 10/10/2008 - Be Added To Press Release Newslist
- 10/10/2008 - 2001 Honor School Trip Refund
- 09/25/2008 - Paperless Update
- 09/24/2008 - Online Case Access Setting Records
Older Content:
- 08/21/2008 - Is Paperless Working?
- 08/06/2008 - Paperless Prosecution Seminar
- 01/09/2008 - New! Help Create Crime Rock Playlist