If you get arrested for a crime, you may feel uncertain about what lies ahead, especially if this is your first criminal charge. One of the official processes you may need to participate in is a court hearing.
One of the reasons why you may have concerns about going to court is that heavy penalties can follow. For example, according to the Colorado General Assembly, a DUI can result in administrative and criminal penalties, like license suspension and jail time. The following tips can help you prepare for an effective court hearing.
1. Stay off social media
If you get arrested for a crime, try and avoid using social media in the days leading up to your hearing. Depending on what you post, this information could appear in your case when you go to court.
2. Limit contact with others
It is tempting to discuss the details of your case with others. However, you should avoid talking about your case with friends, coworkers and anyone else prosecutors could use to testify against you in court.
3. Avoid destroying evidence
If you purposely destroy evidence after you get arrested, the court may view this as an obstruction of justice. This can result in additional criminal charges and penalties on top of the penalties you face for the original crime.
It is normal to feel anxious and unsure as you wait to go to court for an alleged crime. Try to remain calm and comply with any requests by the court to help your case go smoothly.