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How to Help Your Case and Avoid Pitfalls |
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A trial should be about the pursuit of truth and justice, not about who used what gimmick to win. However, there are things you can do to help your case. |
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1. Visit the courthouse before the day of trial, when a trial is in progress, if possible. You'll feel better knowing you're not stepping into uncharted territory. |
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2. Tell your lawyer everything. If you have a secret bank account and you don't want to tell your lawyer (you're afraid she'll charge you more), keep in mind that your spouse might already know. It will be much worse for you if your lawyer hears about it for the first time while you're on the witness stand being cross-examined. |
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3. Dress appropriately. Our picks: white, Peter Pan collar blouse with wide skirt for women; suit and tie for men. If you're a man claiming poverty, the sports jacket look (or even sweater look if you're claiming extreme poverty) with slacks and a business shirt can work as well. |
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4. Leave expensive jewelry at home. |
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5. Be sure to bring all the documents needed. Pack them the night before. Bring paper, or ask your lawyer to bring an extra legal pad for you to take or write notes. |
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6. Pause before answering any questions. Give yourself time to think and give your lawyer time to object. |
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7. If you don't understand a question, tell the lawyer you do not understand and ask that it be repeated. |
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8. If your trial involves a jury, look at the jurors when you answer questions, but do not stare at any one juror. You don't want to make any juror feel uncomfortable. |
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9. Be aware that when your side is presenting its case, you're probably going to feel great during the direct examination by your lawyer and maybe even okay during the |
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