While I love going to court, most of my clients don’t. In fact, they’d like to avoid going to court. It takes you away from work and your family. If you miss work, you may have to use paid time off or not get paid. If you miss a court date, a new set of problems come up. So, will you have to go to court for a traffic ticket or DWI?
The short answer is “Maybe.” I can’t give you a definite answer because each court is different. Even if other attorneys say you will have to go to court, that may not be accurate. The good news is that by hiring an experienced attorney, you may be able to avoid going to court.
The answer to this question also heavily depends on what court summons you. If you get a DWI in Branson versus Springfield (or Republic, or Bolivar, or any other place), each town will tell you something different about going to court. They all handle their cases differently.
I don’t take every case that comes to my office. I take the cases where I know I can help my client with my knowledge and expertise.
To get the best help possible, you need an attorney with a deep bench of knowledge when it comes to the court system you’re facing. I appear in front of the same judges and against the same prosecutors week in and week out. I know where they went to school. I know the names of their kids. I know what cases are important to them and what they see as wasting their time.
If your attorney isn’t familiar with the court or with the facts of your case, don’t hire them. Don’t hire them if they don’t know your name, the prosecutor’s name, or the judge’s name. If, after learning the facts of the case, they can’t answer whether or not you need to appear in court, DON’T HIRE THEM.
If your qualified attorney determines that you need to appear in court, they should have a plan before they walk through the doors. I don’t show up to court without one; a big part of my job is ensuring my clients understand it.
Not only will you know the legal strategy we’re going to deploy, but I will make sure you know where to stand, what to say, what to expect from the other people in court. I’ll even make sure you know what to wear. We will rehearse as many times as it takes for you to feel comfortable, and I’ll answer any questions you may have or speak to any anxieties you may be facing.
If your attorney isn’t answering your questions and making sure you’re comfortable appearing in court, it may be time to find a new attorney. MRD Lawyers has a track record of success, and we’re here to help you.