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-The first day of trial is really scary.
All the previous times you've come to court,
you've been going into a courtroom with lots
of defendants, lots of lawyers, and often very few members
of the public that have no legal proceeding pending.
But when you walk in for a trial,
the scariest moment comes when, all
of a sudden, 40 to 50 members of the public
come into the courtroom to serve as your jury.
So it's really important to prepare yourself
mentally for the first day of trial.
First, it's really important to be on time the first day,
because when judges have jurors waiting around,
they really want things to go efficiently.
And you can expect things will start on time.
Second, it's very important that you dress appropriately
for trial.
I say, your Sunday best is generally a good idea.
But you have to wear clothing that you're
going to feel comfortable in.
If you've never worn a suit before
and you don't feel comfortable with a tie on,
don't wear a suit and tie.
Wear slacks and a button-down shirt.
Or if you're not someone who's accustomed to a dress, wear
something that you are comfortable wearing,
because the jurors are going to be sizing you
up from the moment they walk in the courtroom.
And if you don't appear to be comfortable in your own skin,
you're going to make a bad impression on them
the first day.
So it's important that you understand and prepare
mentally for what's going to occur.
You're coming to the courtroom because you want justice.
You've been charged with a crime.
You've turned down offers that have been made by the district
attorney because you want your day in court,
and you want a chance to have the facts come out,
so that you can be vindicated for your crime.
Remind yourself that your purpose
is to seek justice in that courtroom.
Remind yourself that you have confidence.
And you're willing to let the information come out.
And you're looking forward to this opportunity
to receive the vindication that you've
sought after for so long.
Take a few deep breaths before you walk in.
Feel comfortable in your own skin.
And if you can do that, you increase the likelihood
that ultimately, you'll hear a jury come back
and say, not guilty.