When you are arrested and charged with a crime, you may end up making multiple appearances in court, depending on the type of charge and how you plead. No matter what your situation, it’s important to know how many times you may need to appear in court after an arrest, because failure to show up can have some severe consequences.

While weathering criminal proceedings and the court system may be one of the most difficult and trying times in your personal life, Delius & McKenzie, PLLC is here to help you manage your way through it. Our Sevierville criminal defense lawyers can help you prepare for every hearing and appearance, and for a trial if that is in your best interest.

Types of offenses

Depending on the severity of the offense and laws broken, court appearances will inherently vary from individual to individual. Crimes are divided into two categories, felonies and misdemeanors. However, neither guarantee you a set amount of court dates on that classification alone. It all depends on the specifics of your case, how you plead, and the appeals process. Between the dates of your arraignment and trial, there may be one (or several) court dates. If you plead guilty, there will likely be less. However, no two are exactly alike.

Types of court dates

There are a variety of proceedings when it comes to both criminal and civil cases, including court dates. These cases are usually all assigned to a specific judge, and will have a set list of dates as the case progresses. And because your lawyers can’t always go in your presence or on your behalf, there’s a good chance you may need to show up several times.

There can be court dates for case management hearings, certain motions, depositions –  the list goes on. If your case eventually goes to trial, then that may add weeks of additional court time, or just a few days. Again, the nuances and specifics of any given case will determine this further. There is no one size fits all. A list of various types of court dates you may experience include: Pre-trial, Case Management/CMC, Probation, Hearing on motions, and Sentencing. All of the above examples showcase the multitude of forks in the road that a case can take, all affecting its outcome.

How to dress when you need to go to court

Whether you are attending court in person or on a Zoom call, appearances matter. If you’re arrested, even for a “minor” misdemeanor, you’ll want to present yourself well. This would include – at the bare minimum – clean pants and some sort of business casual button down shirt, or a modest dress or skirt set. Clothing should not be wrinkled or stained, or have any sort of text on it. Colors should be neutral and clothing shouldn’t have any visible print across it.

Dress shoes are ideal as well, compared to sandals or gym shoes. Don’t wear flip-flops or shorts, even on a Zoom appearance. Treat it like a job interview. Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry. It’s best to make sure that your hair is well groomed and you have showered recently. Deodorant will help if the courtroom isn’t very well air conditioned. The last thing you want to do before a judge is be sweating through your shirt, or be wearing an offensive amount of cologne.

Physical demeanor and how you carry yourself while in court are important to note as well. Some judges don’t even like it when someone approaches the bench while slouching or with their hands in their pockets. Some defendants may even get called out for it. Small details can actually play a crucial role in how you are viewed in the eyes of the court, and more specifically, the judge. If you’re not presenting yourself well, then the court may not think that you are taking things seriously, and therefore your sentence may be slightly harsher than someone who is.

If you have been arrested, charged with a crime, and have upcoming court dates but are uncertain about the overall process, you are not alone. If you need representation, don’t hesitate to contact us today or call our offices. Our results speak for themselves when it comes to serving the greater Tennessee communities of Sevierville, Gatlinburg, Seymour and Pigeon Forge. Delius & McKenzie, PLLC has tried cases in every local, state, federal and appellate court in East Tennessee, and are thoroughly prepared to fight on your behalf.