What to Anticipate When You Arrive at Court for Your Hearing

What to Expect When Arriving at Court as a Defendant

1. Arrival at the Courthouse

Upon arriving at the courthouse, anticipate going through a security screening similar to those at airports, which may involve metal detectors and bag inspections. Try to meet your attorney before going through security as the courthouse can be confusing to navigate.

2. Check-In Process

Once inside, you must check in with the court clerk or at a designated area to confirm your attendance for the scheduled hearing or trial. Your attorney will help with this, the docket for the day will be posted for all to see.

3. Waiting Period

After checking in, you might have to wait in a designated area until your case is called. This could take some time, so be ready for a potentially long wait. Depending on the number of citizens charged with crimes the wait may be almost all day. Be prepared to take a full day off from work.

4. Courtroom Etiquette

When your case is called, you will enter the courtroom. Ensure you follow proper courtroom etiquette, which includes:

• Addressing the judge as "Your Honor."

• Standing when the judge enters or exits the courtroom.

• Speaking clearly and respectfully.

5. The Proceedings

• It's crucial to listen attentively and follow your attorney's advice.

• You will not have the opportuity (unless you take a jury trial) to present your side of the story. Whatever the warden claims is what happened. Perception trumps reality.

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6. Possible Outcomes

At the end of the hearing or trial, the judge or jury will announce a verdict or ruling, which could include:

• You accept a plea agreement that the district attorney has presented.

• A verdict of guilty or not guilty.

• Sentencing if found guilty.

  • For fishing crimes you can be sentenced to jail at your sentencing.

• You can also opt for a jury trial in front of a group of jurors. The statistics are grim, most jurys find guilty based on the judjes instructions.

7. Post-Hearing Actions

After the hearing, you may need to discuss the next steps with your attorney, which could involve filing appeals, complying with court orders, or preparing for sentencing. If you are charged again in Maine you will face a more serious punishement. Having been caught in the Maine forest fishing is effectively the end of fishing there for life.

8. Emotional Preparedness

Lastly, be emotionally prepared. Court proceedings can be stressful, so consider seeking support from friends, family, or a counselor if necessary.