What Is Probate Court and How Does It Work

November 23, 2021

How Does a Court Hearing Work?

While no one likes the idea of a court hearing, it's essential to understand how the process works if you have to go. Fortunately, there are many resources available for helping you along the way. Using the following guidelines, you should have a better understanding of how court hearings work.

What Can You Expect at a Court Hearing?

Under most circumstances, the courtroom is open Monday through Friday during normal business hours except for public holidays. Therefore, your court date and time should be scheduled within that time frame. Upon arrival, you should have your cell phone turned off, you shouldn't be carrying any food or drink, you shouldn't be chewing gum and you should remain quiet and respectful, counsels Washington LawHelp. Your appearance should be conservative, clean and free from hats or sunglasses.

Plan Your Time Accordingly

Because court hearings operate on tight schedules, it's critical that you plan your time accordingly. What this means is that you must arrive at least 15 minutes early and never late. Therefore, if you're using public transportation, prepare to leave in plenty of time before your court hearing. If you're driving yourself or if someone else is giving you a ride, prepare for traffic and unexpected interruptions. The length of court hearings depends on a variety of factors including the number of witnesses, how complicated the case is and the strength of the arguments presented. Since your case may be called first, last or somewhere in-between, plan to be in the courtroom all morning or all afternoon.

Entering the Courtroom

Each case is called into the courtroom according to court hearing schedules, and, upon doing so, the defendant will hear his or her charges read aloud. Once the charges are read, the judge will ask you as the defendant if you're entering a plea of guilty or not guilty. Depending on the plea, the court hearing will proceed either to sentencing or a hearing. Sentencing occurs for the guilty plea and court hearings are scheduled for a not guilty plea. The judge will read the facts of the case based on the evidence presented. You'll be required to bring in documentation and forms you filled out before the hearing, as noted by Washington LawHelp.

Should You Hire a Lawyer?

Depending on the case you're going in for, it's entirely up to you whether or not you hire a lawyer. Legal representation is costly and, under some circumstances, it's possible to get representation from a court-appointed attorney. If you explore this option, you may be able to obtain legal representation free of charge. The recommendation is to have legal representation for court cases, according to Lawton & Cates.

What Happens if You're Found Guilty?

If you enter a plea of not guilty and are found guilty, the judge determines your penalty during a sentencing hearing. Sheriff's deputies will lead you out of the courtroom, likely in handcuffs, to a holding cell while you wait for your sentencing hearing. Your sentence may include jail time, payment of fines, community service, treatment for substance abuse or mental problems, or a host of other consequences, explains Nolo. You have the right to continued legal counsel, as explained by Chatham County Jail, as well as the right to counseling and rehabilitation programs.

Macdermott Pubset48