Hopefully, you’ll never have to go to court for any reason, but sometimes, you can’t avoid it. What things should you do to prepare for the experience? (Especially if you don’t have a lawyer) How can you make it easier?

1. Be early. Yes, I know you’ll probably sit around for a long time, but here’s what can happen if you’re late. Most courtrooms have all the cases for the day listed on a “calendar.” The order in which the cases are called often depends on when the person arrives. When you get there early, notify the clerk who runs the calendar and ask for an estimate of how long you may have to wait. Chances are, you’ll get called earlier.

2. Bring work, reading, ipod. If the judge is not sitting on the bench, often you can make use of your time waiting by working or reading. If the judge is actively hearing cases, you’ll probably have to go outside to read. Bring you laptop and write your blog about your court experience!!

3. Treat the clerks like kings/queens. Although the judge has the authority in the courtroom, the clerks really run it. They’re almost always overworked and busy. Be as polite and considerate of them as you can. I’ve seen situations where people or lawyers have been demanding and rude. The clerks usually drop these cases to the end of the calendar.

4. Talk to the prosecutor before. If it’s a criminal or traffic case, arrive early and talk to the prosecutor before your court appearance. They have the power to handle your case and are able to resolve it in a way that may satisfy you–and them, of course. Once you’ve concluded your talk with them, they can often get the clerk to call your case immediately.

5. Prepare your case. Make sure you know exactly what you’re accused of doing. If you have a defense or explanation to make to either the judge or the prosecutor, follow these guidelines before you come to court:

a. Make it as clear and understandable as possible

b. Make it as simple as possible

c. Condense everything you want to say in the least amount of time possible

Remember, they’re all busy and the easier you make it to understand your case, the better.

6. Show respect. Even if you feel you’ve been wronged, the other people in the courtroom don’t know this and may even disagree with you. Always show respect to the clerks, prosecutors, and judges. You can never say enough thank yous. Simple courtesy will carry you a long way to getting your case resolved to your benefit.