Whether you’re a defendant, family member, or another supporter of a defendant, here are 5 tips to keep in mind when attending virtual court:
1. Be on time. Whether you are signing on to virtual court at your attorney’s office or at your own house, it’s important to be on time. Judges do not like to wait for defendants and/or supporters of defendants who are tardy.
2. Dress appropriately. Though you may be behind a computer screen and not physically in court, the judge will still be able to see what you’re wearing from the waist up. Criminal court is a serious matter, so it’s important to treat it seriously by dressing appropriately.
3. Cell-phone off. This is more of a factor when physically in court, but even on a virtual court session, you don’t want to be the defendant who is in the middle of virtual hearing whose cell-phone goes off and disrupts the virtual hearing.
4. Clear your schedule. Virtual court can take a long time, so it is recommended to clear your schedule for that particular morning or afternoon in which you have court.
5. Be respectful. At all times, it is important to be respectful to the court. If you’re a defendant, sometimes this can even go to your benefit.