Navigating the Courtroom: Tips for Addressing Judges
Are you going to court and you’re not sure when or how to address the judge? My name is Carl Birkhead. I’m a Tulsa attorney with Wirth Law Office in Oklahoma. I’ve been practicing family and criminal law for about seven years, and I want to help you make law easy by giving you some advice on when and how to address the court.
You would think that it’s a relative no-brainer. Just don’t say anything. Let your lawyer do all the talking. There are going to be some times when you have to do some talking to the judge directly. Make sure that you do so in a respectful manner. Address the judge as your honor.
Speaking Directly to the Judge
The judge is asking you questions. Answer the questions as best you can, but only answer the judge’s question. I’ve had clients before that would go beyond what was asked of them, and they would end up incriminating themselves, either shooting themselves in the foot on a family case or confessing to crimes that they weren’t charged within a criminal case before.
If you’re unsure what to say, even when the judge asks you a question, you can always look at your attorney. Your lawyer can give you some advice, go ahead and answer, or this is what you need to say. Give you some pointers and guide you down that road. Whatever you do, though, if you are even just the slightest bit unsure of what to say or when to say it, check with your lawyer.
Consulting with Your Attorney
The worst thing that you can do, nine times out of 10, is to just go off on your own, go rogue, and start trying to talk to the judge. If you don’t have an attorney and you try to talk with the judge, they’re going to give you some leeway, but they’re most likely going to tell you to hire an attorney. If you do have an attorney and you’re still trying to talk with the judge, they’re probably going to stop you and tell you to consult with your attorney. That’s what we are here for.
If you have questions about what to do when you’re in court, it’s always best to check with your attorney and make sure that you guys are on the same page for how they want you to proceed.
Free Initial Strategy Session Available
If you’ve got court coming up and you don’t have an attorney and you need some help and you might need some guidance, please feel free to contact 918-879-1681. My name is Carl Birkhead with Wirth Law Office, and I’m here to help you make law easy. Thank you.
