Arriving at your first criminal court appearance well-prepared can significantly ease the stress and uncertainty of the experience. Knowing procedural details such as where to go, what attire is appropriate, and the expected courtroom etiquette not only projects a respectful and serious attitude toward the proceedings but can also positively influence the perception of judges and court personnel.

Keep reading to learn more about appearing in criminal court in Riverhead, NY.

Identifying Your Court Appearance Details

The jurisdiction of the Suffolk County County Court sees cases related to felony offenses (as well as minor infractions that occur within the county limits).

This court is located in the Criminal Courts Building within the Cromarty Court Complex at 210 Center Drive, Riverhead, NY 11901.

Confirming Where You Report & When

To ensure you know exactly when and where your court appearance will be, review the documentation you received pertaining to your case. Your notice should detail your court date, time, and the specific courtroom or division you must report to. You can also access this information online using New York's WebCriminal site.

If, for any reason, this information is unclear or hasn't been provided, speak with your attorney for guidance. Remember, proactively confirming your appearance details can prevent any misunderstandings and help relieve stress during this challenging process.

Upon Arrival at the Court

Once you arrive at the Cromarty Court Complex, you must go through security and find your assigned courtroom. Like the airport, you will pass through a magnetometer while your belongings go through an X-ray machine. We encourage you to arrive early to allow yourself adequate time to go through security and to help ensure you're not late for your appearance.

After clearing security, look for informational screens or directories, often found in the lobby, that list the courtrooms for cases scheduled for the day. This can assist you in navigating the complex.

If you're represented by an attorney, it's recommended to coordinate a meeting spot in advance. Many lawyers prefer meeting their clients outside the courtroom to review last-minute details and answer any remaining questions. If you cannot locate your attorney, find the courtroom indicated in your paperwork and wait there.

Dressing for Court

When preparing for your court appearance, dressing appropriately is incredibly important. Aiming for a professional and respectful look can positively affect how judges and courtroom staff perceive you.

For men, this typically means wearing slacks or dress pants with a collared shirt; alternatively, suits and ties are also appropriate.

For women, slacks, skirts of a conservative length, blouses, pantsuits, or business attire dresses are all acceptable options.

Do your best to avoid casual clothing like shorts, flip-flops, tank tops, or anything that might be considered too revealing.

Appropriate Courtroom Behavior

Proper courtroom etiquette can be challenging to grasp, but essential to know. Behaving appropriately in court demonstrates your respect for the legal process and helps you maintain a positive image in front of the court.

Four helpful courtroom etiquette tips are as follows:

1. Upon entering the courtroom, you should immediately silence your cell phone (or turn it off) and avoid using it during proceedings.
2. Be respectful to everyone in the room, including court staff, other attendees, and especially the judge.
3. Speak clearly, politely, and only when it is your turn or when you are asked to do so.
4. Address the judge as "Your Honor" and stand when the judge enters or leaves the room.

Preparing with Your Attorney

Before attending your first court appearance, engage in a discussion about what to expect with your attorney. This conversation should aim to demystify the courtroom process, set clear expectations, and address any specific concerns you might have.

Potential topics to discuss may include:

• The nature of your case: Understanding the charges against you, possible defenses, and the legal process involved.
• Specific courtroom procedures: Familiarize yourself with the sequence of events in the courtroom and what will be expected of you during the appearance.
• Potential outcomes: Discuss the best and worst-case scenarios, including plea options or potential sentencing, to prepare mentally and emotionally for all possibilities.
• Behavior and etiquette expectations: Review appropriate courtroom behavior and attire, emphasizing the importance of making a positive impression on the judge and jury.
• Questions and concerns: Address any specific questions or concerns you may have. This can range from logistical issues to more profound worries about the case's impact on your life.

Laurence A. Silverman & Associates has experience representing clients in felony criminal proceedings at the Suffolk County County Court. Reach out to us online to schedule a free consultation.