Going to Court in Houston > FAQ | Houston Criminal Defense Attorneys at The Haggard Law Firm

What if I’m late to court?

What time will I be out of court?

What is courtroom etiquette?

What if my attorney is not present at docket call?

What happens if I miss my court date?

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What if I’m late to court?

Don’t be. You could be put in jail. While Mr. Haggard has been able to save many late clients from this fate, don’t presume on his good graces to save you. Leave early enough to allow time for any eventuality, such as a freeway accident or getting lost. You also need to allow sufficient time for parking and going through the metal detectors. We urge clients to be inside the courthouse an hour before docket call.

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What time will I be out of court?

Unless you’re in Trial or Hearing, you can plan to be out by noon at the latest.

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What is courtroom etiquette?

Courtroom etiquette is that set of rules and behaviors of courtesy based on the fact that a court of law is a place where respect for authority is shown. Speak politely to judges and court personnel, turn off your cell phone, and dress respectfully, with dignity and modesty. Stand when a judge addresses you and respond with “Sir”, “Ma’am”, or “Your Honor”.

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What if my attorney is not present at docket call?

Most attorneys will have more than one case per day and the choice of which court to go to first is often dictated by circumstances beyond the attorney’s control, such as which court may start a trial soon.

Your case will not be adversely affected if your attorney is late, only if you are. Your attorney is not on bond; you are.

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What happens if I miss my court date?

If you miss your court date, your bond may be forfeited. Mr. Haggard and your bondsman may be able to get your bond reinstated, however, if you can show good cause for not being present in court. An example of good cause is extreme illness requiring hospitalization or medical treatment. “I forgot, I overslept, I felt sick, I was stuck in traffic” etc. will not be accepted as excuses for missing a court date.

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~The Haggard Law Firm accepts selected criminal defense cases in Harris, Fort Bend, Galveston, Brazoria, Montgomery, Matagorda and surrounding Texas counties. Affordable representation; payment plans arranged in some cases. We represent clients in all Misdemeanor Courts, Felony Courts, Juvenile Court and Federal Court.~

Copyright © 2012 The Haggard Law Firm

*Evidence of prior performance should not be taken as a guarantee of future success. All cases are unique and must be handled on an individual basis. Tactics, strategies, and defenses will vary. This is not a comprehensive career-long (since 1973) listing within this category of charges but is intended as a recent and representative sample only.

Note: Clients have given their permission for any testimonials presented here.