Court Hearings and What to Expect

Need-to-Know Information About Attending Court Hearings

If you’re like many of our clients and have never been charged with a crime before, the thought of walking into a courtroom and facing a judge is probably more than just a little frightening. You wonder who will be there, what will happen, what the judge will say, what the prosecutor will do, what you will have to say or do, and so on.

If you have faced criminal charges before or already have at least one conviction on your record, you probably still have some of those same questions but may also be worried about the prosecutor or judge taking a harsher approach with you because this isn’t the first time you’ve been in trouble with the law.

In either case, you’re right to be concerned because what ultimately happens in court, with this case and the charges you’re facing today, will impact your future.

Unfortunately, a certain amount of whatever does or does not happen in court is out of your control. What is within your control, however, is how you present and carry yourself when inside the courtroom.

As your defense lawyer, David E. Cook will prepare you for court hearings and what to expect every step of the way — from bond hearings to trial and more:

• First, and with very few exceptions, you will be expected to attend every court hearing scheduled in connection with your case. If you are not required to attend a particular hearing, we will let you know.
• Second, BE ON TIME! In fact, account for traffic, think about the time it will take for you to find parking and plan to be early, if at all possible. If you are late to a court hearing, your bond may be forfeited, and you could be arrested.
• Third, dress appropriately. You do not have to wear a suit but you should wear a clean, unwrinkled pair of pants and shirt. No jeans or shorts. Also, never wear a hat into the courtroom.
• Fourth, do not wait outside of the courtroom for attorney Cook to arrive, as it is likely he has multiple hearings set on your hearing date, and he will attend your hearing as soon as possible. If your case gets called and you are not inside the courtroom to say you’re present, the court may assume you’ve missed the hearing, forfeit your bond and an order will be issued for your arrest. If you let the court know you’re there but your attorney isn’t, it will understand and won’t begin until you’re attorney arrives.

Call Us for a Free Consultation

To schedule a free initial consultation at our Bedford, Texas, law office, call 817-545-3309 (Fort Worth area) or contact us online. We will help you stand up for your rights in and out of the courtroom.