When You Are and Are Not Required to Go to Court
In North Carolina we have a category of crimes or infractions that are considered waivable offenses. That’s so you won’t have to go to court for something simple like speeding. In waivable offenses, an attorney is allowed to go to court for their client. We routinely handle waivable cases without our clients having to show up for court. In those cases we have our clients deposit money with us for us to hold in trust for them. We then pay the cost of court and any fines out of that trust money. Whatever remains after we have paid the costs is returned to our client. It is of course an added convenience for our clients not to have to appear in court unless it is a mandatory appearance situation. We will happily answer this question for you on a case-by-case, and court date by court date basis.
If you do have to go to court, you should plan ahead. Make sure that you have childcare arranged and make sure that you get to the courthouse with plenty of time to spare so that you’re able to park and get to your courtroom on time. Don’t underestimate how long you may have to wait for the elevator either. They are painfully slow.
As far as clothing, you don’t have to look fancy but you should look neat. Some people think of it as wearing church clothes. A suit and tie is not necessary but if you are comfortable wearing them it is certainly appropriate. For a man, nice button-down shirt or sweater with long pants is perfect. Women should avoid revealing attire. Both men and women should avoid excessive jewelry. Don’t go to court trying to look cool. Go to court looking humble.
For many this will go without saying but as my partner and I have done this for almost four decades combined, we have learned that sometimes it needs saying. Do not wear a marijuana leaf T-shirt to court if you are charged with possession of marijuana, or anything else for that matter. Don’t wear a beer T-shirt to your DWI trial. Avoid shirts featuring characters from violent films or video games. And leave the belt buckle shaped like a firearm at home. I’ve had clients wear all of these and I can tell you it wasn’t a good idea.
Our traffic attorneys help people throughout Wake County, North Carolina. We frequently handle offenses arising out of the following cities: Rolesville, Fuquay-Varina, New Hope, Garner, Cary, Wendell, Knightdale, Apex, Zebulon, Raleigh, Holly Springs, Morrisville and Wake Forest.
