KEN WANG’S TOP 10 WORDS OF ADVICE FOR CRIMINAL LAW CLIENTS
DO
- Make sure you show up to court early. Failing to appear is the cause of many problems.
- Dress well for court. You will convey a good impression if you are dressed well.
- Control your behavior in court. The Judge can throw you in jail for disrespect.
- The best person to ask if you have any questions is your attorney. If you do not know, ask.
- The proper way to answer the Judge is to always end with, “Your honor.”
DO NOT
- Do not talk about your case to anybody except your attorney. Exercise your right to remain silent.
- Do not commit any new offenses while on bond. Follow all bond conditions as ordered by the Judge.
- Do not come to court drunk, high, or under the influence of any intoxicating substances.
- Do not bring your cell phone to court.
- Do not lie to your attorney. It is not the crime that will cause you the most trouble, it is the cover-up.
It is amazing how many people ignore these ten simple rules. The practice of law is like many other professions. A client who has an excellent lawyer for a guide will never realize how many rocks lurk beneath the surface of the law waiting to wreck the unwary. -KW