Court can be an intimidating experience. It’s natural to feel a range of emotions or even a sense of losing control. With Attorney Biafore by your side, you can be confident that he will not only fight for the best possible outcome but also represent your case with skill and expertise. Remember, while your attorney handles the legal proceedings, you play a crucial role in the process. Here’s how you can help your case in Court.
First Impressions Matter
Your appearance should be professional and appropriate. You want to present yourself to the Court as clean, neat, and put together. This can be demonstrated by your appearance, and therefore it is recommended that you dress in business professional or business casual attire, if possible.
Style Do’s:
- Shirts: button-down shirts, polo shirts , collard shirts, blouses, sweaters
- Pants: slacks, khakis, capris
- Skirts: pencil skirts, knee length skirts, full length skirts
- Shoes: closed toed shoes, loafers, flats, low-healed heels
- Jackets: blazers, cardigans
- Accessories: light jewelry, ties, belts
Style Do Not’s:
- Open toed shoes
- Sneakers
- Crop tops
- Sagging pants
- Shorts
- Hoodies/Sweatshirts
- Sweatpants
- Tank tops
- Excessive or flashy jewelry
Dressing professionally and appropriately demonstrates that you have respect for the Court and for the Judge. Presenting yourself as clean and neat can help to improve your impression on others. While it is not guaranteed, focusing on these details can help your case.
“Stone Face”
Your behavior in court factors into demonstrating who you are. Judges are human beings who make first impressions based on their initial encounters with litigants appearing before the Court. Anything you do or say that can be perceived in a negative light has the potential to hurt you and your case. If you interrupt or have any outbursts in the courtroom, not only can this damage the perception of you, but it can lead to further consequences such as, being removed from court or being held in contempt of Court. Attorney Biafore will handle all aspects of your case, and it is important that in Court you sit at the Court table respectfully, remain calm and composed, refrain from deep sighs and facial expressions, and let your Attorney do all of the talking, unless you are on the witness stand, or if the Judge addresses you by asking you a question.
It is natural for you to have emotions, but it is in your best interest to remain as composed and “stone faced” as possible. If you are feeling overwhelmed, you should tell your attorney before entering the courtroom. Attorney Biafore will reassure you and help prepare you before seeing the Judge. If necessary your attorney can ask for a brief recess to allow you time to compose yourself.
Outbursts of emotions in the courtroom such as excessive crying, displays of anger, yelling, hand gestures, facial expressions, and speaking out of turn can all damage your perception, credibility, and your case. You must treat the Court room as a formal proceeding.
Maintaining a “stone face” means keeping a neutral expression and avoiding visible reactions in court. During proceedings do your best to not display reactions including but not limited to:
- Facial expressions: smiling, frowning, jaw dropping, eye rolling, and others.
- Gestures: movements, hand signals, slamming the table, and others.
- Verbal outbursts: yelling, shouting, and speaking out of turn.
By following these guidelines — letting your attorney take the lead, dressing appropriately, and maintaining a calm, neutral demeanor — you’re actively contributing to a smoother court experience. Remember, your composure and respect for the proceedings can make a positive difference in how you are perceived by the Judge making the decisions.
Punctuality is Key
With Attorney Biafore, he will use his experience to attempt to ensure that the Court process is expedited, quick, and painless. He will let you know when to arrive so that you are not wasting time waiting in the Courts, and he will prepare you as to what to expect in Court. To ensure you arrive on time, prepare for external factors that may make you late, such as traffic and parking.