Depending on the offense that you are charged with, chances are you may find yourself going to court. Here are the top 5 mistakes that defendants make when they have to go to court:
1.) Contraband in the Courthouse: Don't bring guns, knives, drugs, or alcohol into the courtroom.
2.) Bring Just What You Need: Be prepared to leave books, food, drink, and other such items in your car until you are certain they are permitted in the courtroom.
3.) Failing to Learn What the Judge Thinks: Your best bet is to have representation that is familiar with how the judge thinks.
4.) Showing Up at the Wrong Time: Get to court early and be prepared to wait.
5.) Saying the Wrong Thing : Let your attorney do the talking and when you are asked a question, answer honestly and concisely.
Hot off the presses! Van’s new book is I Am Charged with a Crime, written with his co-author, James Tate. Jim is an internationally renowned criminal defense lawyer from northern Virginia. I Am Charged with a Crime exposes the inner workings of the criminal justice system from Van and Jim’s perspective—they’re both former prosecutors, and both have developed specialized criminal and traffic defense practices. Van and Jim bring to life some high-profile crimes and the resulting high-pressure trials, outlining their defense strategies and insider secrets. They offer strategies in planning your defense should you find yourself in court. For example, should you plead guilty or not guilty? Should you testify? Should you ask for a jury trial or stand before a judge? The stories are interesting, the characters lively, and the courtroom drama captivating. The book is a must-read for law students, crime buffs, attorneys, judges, and criminal defendants.
