Advice for going to Crown Court?

Question

I'm going to Crown Court next week for my assault - ABH charge. I've only been to Magistrates Court before and was sentenced their last time. I know there is a good chance that I'll be going down but apart from dressing well etc. is there anything else I can do to give a good impression?

Answer 1

Start as you mean to go on .... respect the system, respect the court officials, legal folk and the judge ( and mean it! ) but above all, show true and unconditional repentance for your crime. You have hurt someone and the law must protect them and punish accordingly. The judge will see through 'dressing well' although he will appreciate that you have made the effort. You are not going for a job interview but you must show the world that you are truly sorry .... and mean it! You must also impress the court that you have truly learnt from this episode and you have no wish to repeat the incident and will be taking steps to never repeat it ... i.e. anger management ( if that is a problem ). Just recognise what you have done, say you are sorry and hope your life gets better as a result. Everyone deserves another chance.

Answer 2

Be humble, have a good job, a dependant family and a darn good excuse for the assault, accompanied by an apology. Sign up for some aggression therapy classes. But to be honest you shoud have done this a long time ago, not wait until now. It would have made a far better impression if you had already attended several AT sessions and were showing signs of improvement and an understanding of why you have behaved the way you did.

Answer 3

Be polite to everyone -- including the prosecutor. It will be easy to get wound up and start acting aggressively, but you need to show yourself as someone gentle and non-violent as far as you are able, especially if you are arguing self-defence. You are right about dressing well, as it is good for your morale as well as useful in making a good impression. Look people in the eye when replying to questions, as turning away will make it look as though you have something to hide. Don't talk too quickly. You need to take time thinking out answers to questions and the judge will be particularly grateful if you give him time to jot down what you say, as he has to note down everything for his summing up. Remember that those twelve people in the jury will be watching you throughout the case, so mind your body language and your facial expressions when other people are giving evidence.

I have just seen from an earlier question that you intend to plead guilty. In sentencing you the judge will want to see that you are sorry for what you have done and intend to sort yourself out so that you do not re-offend. Your counsel will make a plea in mitigation on your behalf and will endeavour to express your feelings in this way. Your sentence will depend on the seriousness of the offence (how badly you behaved and how much damage you inflicted) and your record.

Answer 4

If you are guilty, please just plead guilty. I'm being put through this but on the other side as the victim/witness. My attacker is guilty, knows he is guilty and is still putting me through the ordeal of court. I 'm almost certain that if he doesn't plead guilty before the trial starts, no matter how he dresses or tries to 'appear', he simply cannot make a good impression.

I do believe that as long as there is genuine remorse everyone deserves a second chance - but no more than that so don't muck it up.

Answer 5

He'll just be sentenced. It should be on the first hearing, but if probation haven't done a pre-sentence report on him yet it'll go off to another date. As another poster has said, it'd only have gone up to the crown court after a plea of guilty if the magistrates thought its sentencing powers were insufficient.

Answer 6

Do as you are told, and do it quickly. Not like youre being rushed, but dont drag your heels. Don't make it look like an effort like all the chavs do. Shave/ basic grooming, remove any piercings. Think before you speak. Dont be afraid to take a little moments pause before you answer a question so you can picture what you're going to say. Better for you to think than for you to incriminate yourself. Clearly if its a yes or no answer, you'll be expected to be able to answer fairly quickly. Speak properly.

Answer 7

Giving a good interview with probation always helps, I would imagine pre-sentence reports were ordered and there's nothing that winds a judge more than an offender who minimises his culpability in his interview with probation

Answer 8

Tell the truth, clearly and openly. Don't stare at the witnesses, don't give the jury and judge knowing looks. Address the court. If you are guilty, why not just say so then you can avoid the whole lengthy procedure?

Answer 9

If you are guilty, plead guilty so as not to waste court time.

Talk to the probation service before you go to court and ask them to help you with anger management, thereby showing that you acknowledge your problem and are actively seeking to address it.

take your toothbrush to court.

Answer 10

if you are guilty then plead guilty they do not like wasting court time and money and will treat u harsh.look remorseful and say your sorry it will go a long way for u. but just try and keep out of bother for next time your feet wont touch.