what happens if you show up to court without a lawyer

Tell you mom, your dad, your sister, your friend, your wife, your girl or your guy. If you fail yo show up to court, your bond will be revoked and you will be arrested again. If you fail to show up without an attorney, the worse that will happen is you get a scolding.

Full Answer

What to do when appearing in court without a lawyer?

What Happens If You Show Up To Court Without A Lawyer? In criminal cases, if you cannot afford a lawyer, the court will appoint a lawyer for you, like a public defender. But in civil cases, you do not have the right to a court-appointed lawyer so, if you cannot afford your own lawyer, you have to represent yourself. Is it bad to go to court without a lawyer?

Can I be held in contempt of court for not having a lawyer?

What will happen if you go to court without a lawyer is the same thing that will happen if you go into surgery without a surgeon. You won't know what to do and everyone else will. The one benefit for you will be a good judge will try to let you make your case but he or she has to follow the rules of evidence and civil procedure.

Do I have to pay for a lawyer in court?

Apr 07, 2009 · The short answer is, it depends on the Judge. If the Judge issued you an Order, the Judge could hold you in contempt of Court for not getting a lawyer. As unfair as it may seem to be Ordered to get a lawyer in your finacial situation, the reason the Judge wants you to get a lawyer is to protect your rights.

What should you do when speaking to a judge?

Jul 05, 2010 · In a small claim case, matters will go more smoothly for you if the court sees that you are making an attempt to take care of procedural matters, like exchanging paperwork and copies of evidence, without wasting the court's time …

Howard Woodley Bailey

The short answer is, it depends on the Judge. If the Judge issued you an Order, the Judge could hold you in contempt of Court for not getting a lawyer. As unfair as it may seem to be Ordered to get a lawyer in your finacial situation, the reason the Judge wants you to get a lawyer is to protect your rights.

Kyle G. Manikas

Some judges in Virginia will revoke your bond (i.e. place you in jail) if you show up without an attorney after you have been ordered to retain one. At that point you will qualify for a court appointed attorney.

Always Read the Law and Know The Law

Always Read the Law and Know The Law#N#(A) I saw a guy whisked away by the bailiffs in shackles once.

Be Respectful To The Court

Be Respectful To The Court.#N#Always call the judge "your honor". Always stand up when speaking or being spoken to. Even if there is a table for you to sit down at while the other person is speaking, if the court addresses you, immediately stand up and remain silent until it is your turn to speak. Never speak to the court while sitting down.

Take Copies of Documents, Photos or Any Other Evidence

Take Copies of Documents, Photos or Any Other Evidence#N#If you plan to offer a document, make at least 2 copies. You must give the court the original. A copy must be given to the opposing party. You will want to keep a copy.

Speak Up and Speak Clearly

Speak Up and Speak Clearly#N#Do not mumble or talk down to the floor. Look directly at the judge and speak in a clear voice that projects. If you have a naturally loud voice (you know who you are) tone it down a bit so that you sound professional. If you have a naturally soft voice, practice projecting it across the room.

TURN OFF THE CELL PHONE AND OTHER GIZMOS

TURN OFF THE CELL PHONE AND OTHER GIZMOS#N#There are judges who confiscate cell phones and other e-gizmos that go off in court. If they are nice, they give them back after payment of a fine. Most cell-phones, smart phones, I-thingamajigs and other electronic devices have a "vibrate" mode so that you are alerted to a call, but quietly.

Be Nice To The Clerks

Be Nice To The Clerks#N#Judges and clerks talk and work together. They spend hours together behind the scenes administering the work of the courts.

Do Not Talk or Distract Others in the Courtroom

Do Not Talk or Distract Others in the Courtroom#N#Once the judge comes in, it is highly unacceptable to talk in the courtroom. If you must chat, go out in the hallway. Similarly, most judges do not want you reading the paper, typing on the laptop or other gizmo, or engaging in other distracting conduct. The court is the judge's office.