Atlanta Criminal Lawyer Blog

Basic Rules of Court Conduct
If you have been ordered to appear in court, this blogpost will provide important information that will assist you before your appearance. This information does not constitute legal advice. If you require legal assistance, please consult an attorney.

When Appearing in Court
· Be on time · Throw away gum, food, and drinks before entering the courthouse · Stand when the judge enters and leaves the courtroom · Stand when you are speaking to the judge · Speak clearly when you respond to the judge’s questions · Always address the judge. If you are unsure of what you heard, wait until the judge or other person speaking at your hearing has finished talking before asking a question · Enter and leave the courtroom quietly, so you do not disturb others · Only approach the bench when instructed to do so
Dressing for Court
If you are appearing in court you should dress nicely and in a manner that shows respect for the court.

Here are some things you should NOT wear:
· Hats inside the courtroom (except those worn for religious purpose)
· Sunglasses · T-shirts depicting violence, sexual acts, profanity, or illegal drugs · Tube or halter tops/plunging necklines/midriffs · Ripped or torn jeans · Mini skirts or shorts · Baggy pants that fall below the waist · Muscle shirts (usually worn as undergarments)

If you are not dressed properly, you will be asked to leave the court and return at a later date. This will delay your hearing and require you to appear in court more then once.

Prohibited Item
Items that should NOT enter the courthouse:
· Weapons of any kind · Electronic equipment such as video, voice recorders or cameras (unless approved by the court)
· Food, beverages, chewing gum and tobacco
Children in the Courtroom
Please do not bring children to court unless the court has ordered them to be present. Many topics discussed in the courtroom are not appreciate for children and may be hurtful or confusing. Please arrange for a friend or relative to watch your child(ren) while you are in court.

Cell Phones and Pagers
The use of cell phones are not allowed in the courtroom. Your cell phone or pager must be turned off before entering so that you do not disrupt the court. If you are required to carry a phone or pager for business purposes, it must be placed on silent mode.

Security Precautions
Before entering the court you must go through a security checkpoint. In most cases, you will be asked to walk through a metal detector or an officer will use a wand to check for prohibited items. You should allow the officer to search any bags, packages or personal belongings that will be taken in to the courtroom. If you refuse to cooperate, you may be denied entry to your hearing.

Respect
The courtroom is a place of order and structure. You should at all times act in a respectful manner when in the presence of the judge, court staff, attorneys, court officers and other persons attending court. Once the court has made a ruling in your case, continue to be respectful as you exit the courtroom. Attempts to disrupt the court once the judge has made a ruling may result in jail time.

Frequently Asked Questions
What time is my hearing?
If you have question about your case such as the time or date of your hearing, you can contact the court clerk’s office for assistance. You may also ask for directions to the court and the courtroom that you should appear.

What if I need special assistance?
If you have a disability, speak another language, or require special accommodations in the courtroom, please call before your hearing to allow the court tine to properly assist you.
What should I do if I cannot appear at my hearing?
If you are not able to appear in court, contact the court clerk a least 48-hours before your scheduled hearing. If you do not appear at your hearing and fail to notify the court, a warrant may be issued for your arrest in criminal cases. You should also keep in mind that a judge may make a ruling in your case without you being present, such as civil matters like a divorce hearing.
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License Suspensions and Reinstatement in Georgia
I get many calls regarding license suspension cases. Many times the suspension of driving privileges could have easily been avoided. For example, failure to appear in court for a traffic citation will result in your Georgia driver’s license or privilege to drive in the State of Georgia being suspended. Another example involves pleading nolo contendere (Nolo) to a first offense possession less than an ounce of marijuana. Failure to complete a Georgia DUI risk class within the time prescribed by law will result in suspension of driving privileges in the State of Georgia.

Drivers under the age of 21 have a different set of rules. Children under the age of 17 must appear in juvenile court with a parent or guardian to answer to these charges.

Penalties for a first offense driving on a suspended license and driving without a license are harsh. Mandatory minimum $500.00 fine, 2 days in jail and an additional 6-month suspension of driving privileges. Second offenses within a five-year period are punishable by a mandatory $1000.00 fine, ten days in jail and additional 6-month suspension.

Over the last 20 years, I have learned that in many cases, license suspensions can be avoided. When charged in the State of Georgia with the offense of driving on a suspended license or driving without a license, your case can be resolved avoiding mandatory jail time and additional suspension of your driving privileges.

If you have been charged with O.C.G.A. 40-5-121 Driving on a suspended license or driving without a license in the State of Georgia, you need to be represented by an experienced traffic court defense lawyer. Having experienced counsel during this critical period is essential.
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