Criminal Case FAQs

Please review these frequently asked questions (FAQs), and if you still have questions, you can reach out to us directly.

• Will I go to jail? The courts generally do not take people to jail at a hearing. Occasionally, the particular facts of your case or your criminal history may cause the court to set bail at your arraignment. If bail is set, you will likely be arrested and will then need to retain a bail bondsman or post cash to bail out of jail. If you have to serve in jail as a result of a conviction, the court will usually give you a couple of weeks to turn yourself into jail. Generally, we will be able to tell you if there is a likelihood that you will be going to jail at your court appearance and help you prepare ahead of time.

• What should I wear? There are no specific attire requirements for court. However, you should dress in clean, orderly clothes. A suit is not necessary. The court will appreciate it if you are dressed appropriately. Do not wear shorts, sandals, or clothing with offensive language. Hats cannot be worn in court.

• Should I bring my calendar? Unless your case is finished, you will be given a new court date at your court appearance, so be prepared to know your availability.

• What time should I arrive? It is best to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled court hearing. We try our best to be on time but occasionally get stuck in other courts, causing us to be late. If we have not arrived when the judge calls your case, let him/her know that we are on our way.

• Will I need to say anything during my hearing? There are certain procedures that must be followed.  We will do most of the talking, but the judge may have some questions for you. Usually, the court’s questions are in regard to whether you understand what is occurring at the hearing.  If there is something specific that you need to say, we will let you know.

• How many times will I have to go to court? This varies greatly in each case. Typically a case takes 3-9 months to resolve, with court appearances approximately once a month. If the case is set for trial, then you may have multiple court dates in a month.