About to go to court, need some advice

[Sopdadope]

Hey guys. Here's the rundown:

A couple weeks ago, I'm on my way to orthodontist. Mind you, I was fresh off a five-month trip overseas. So anyway, a police officer pulls me over to write me a fix-it ticket for my p/s fender. The officer kindly asks for my license and registration, and I obliged.

It turns out my insurance and thus, my registration, was revoked a month before because my bank wouldn't allow the insurance company to withdraw directly from my savings account when the checking account dwindled to zilch. They quickly tow my car and I have the dubious honor of riding in a blue and white down to the station.

Fast forward to today, I have a court appearance scheduled and even though I really have nothing to worry about (flawless driving record for 7 years) I'm still a tad bit nervous. I've never been summoned to court before. For those with experience, what's the process like? Will I have to address the judge by "Your Honor" or do they only do that in the movies? I have a general idea of how the court process works, but if someone could enlighten me about the procedures. Another thing, I know it's a not a t-shirt and jeans affair, but would be a suit be overkill? I wouldn't wanna stroll into court looking like a schmuck while everyone else appears in casual clothing. Silly ?'s I know, but better safe than sorry. To those with input; *tips hat*

[Meantime]

Definitely call the judge "your honor", say please and thank you, appear meek and oppressed... It works.

You can never be overdressed for court, just ask Johnnie Cochran!

I wouldn't be too worried about it. Generally if you have a good record and a reasonable explanation, conduct yourself politely, the D.A. will cut a bargain and let you off. In/out, no permanent damage done.

[fiznat]

sophan,

I dont know if this is anything like the "court" you go to when you contest a traffic violation, so if it's not then disregard what I say:

I beleive that you dont go to court-court right off the bat, you first meet with a magistrate and discuss your case. At least this has been the deal in the two times that Ive contested tickets. Here, the state's prosecutor basically talks to you about the case and trys to see if it can be settled out of court (taking everything to trial-like court wastes time and money I guess). Here, I beleive you can make your case and the magistrate will make some sort of deal. This is pretty much lower key than an actual court date, most people ARE in jeans and t-shirts. I say dress decently nice though anyways even if this is the case. It cant really hurt to look like you're not some no-insurance greaseball.

And yea, if you end up going to actual court (maybe you should call and find out what it's like?), I would definetly show as much respect as possible- the your honors and all that. One would hope that it's commonplace in a courtroom, but I bet you'd be suprised how many cases come down to what kind of mood the judge is in... best keep on his good side.

Uhmm thats all I can think of from my experience--- try to bring some sort of documentation from your bank or the insurance company or whatever to corrorborate (sp?) your story. Just standing up there with some sob story about your bank not giving them the money sounds too fake.

Anyways man, good luck! Let us know how it goes!

[nissanrcer240]

I would say a suit for traffic court, is a little overkill. And being that you have a clean record he'll probly go easy on you IMO

Quote »call the judge "your honor", say please and thank you, appear meek and oppressed[/quote]

Dont forget yes sir, and no sir. Good luck

[Sopdadope]

Thanks for the info guys.

I'm not sure if it's a traffic court or a criminal court since driving without a registration is a criminal offense.

[rydwhite]

I suggest calling a local attorney and having a free consult. Most attorneys will give a free consult and for something like this, it can easily be done over the phone. They can tell you what to expect and you can discuss your circumstances and what the punishments and applicable defenses are. There is never overkill when it comes to the law in my opinion. Always be as prepared as possible, polite as possible and appearance is always important.

[Nathan]

I know when I went to court for a non-traffic offense, I wore a long sleeve white button down dress shirt, nice slacks, and a tie. It wasn't quite a suit but was more than a polo shirt and khaki's, which imo was too underdressed. It went well for me! Good luck man.

[Jesda]

I went in with a reckless driving charge, wearing khakis and a polo, also defending a closely-timed speeding ticket. I said something about my car being slow so I had to get a long running start to pass this slow moving truck and everyone in the court room laughed. Luckily I got everything significantly reduced.

But still, dont do what I did. Some judges frown on funny guys.

-Jesda