How to Attend a Criminal Trial
There are countless reasons why a person would be interested in attending a criminal trial. It can be because you have friend or family member pleading guilty or not guilty in the court or because you would like to learn things by observing the lawyers. Nevertheless, criminal trials and courts are open for the general public and it does not matter if you have a relationship with the person involved in the case or not, you can still attend the trial. Follow some easy guidelines to help you attend a criminal trial.
Instructions
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1
Identify the time, date and location
In order to attend a criminal trial, it is important that you should have complete information about what date, time and location it will be taking place. If you are unsure of the location, it is suggested that you should go to court and ask the clerk about the location of a particular trial. This information is provided free of cost and you will face no difficulty in obtaining this information. -
2
Reach the court before time
If you come late than the announced time, you will face issues entering the courtroom. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you should be present in the court ahead of the scheduled time. If you are stuck and come late, you should be careful and try not to disturb the court’s decorum. Similarly, if you have to leave early, you should not make any noise and leave the courtroom silently. -
3
Do not make noise
It is very importance that you should remain silent throughout the trial and do not disturb anyone with loud noises. If you disturb the courtroom, the judge will ask you to leave the room and this can be very embarrassing. In some cases, people are charged with 'contempt of court' and then they have to suffer the consequences. -
4
All expenses will be incurred from your pocket
If you are attending the trial for help in your other case, it should be made clear that your employer would not have to bear the expenses and that all costs incurred in this regard will be from your own pocket. -
5
You can attend the sentencing
If the accused is proven guilty of his or her crimes, then you can also attend the hearing for sentencing.
