Dressing the Part (Without Breaking the Bank)

You don’t need a three-piece suit or a designer gown to impress a judge in Jennings County. This is a hardworking community, and the court respects that. However, showing respect for the court through your appearance goes a long way.

Think "Sunday Best" or "Business Casual." A clean polo or button-down shirt and a pair of slacks or neat jeans (without holes!) is perfectly fine for most hearings. The goal is to show the judge that you take the situation seriously.

What to avoid:

• Hats (take them off before you enter the courtroom).

• Shirts with offensive language or political slogans.

• Flip-flops or overly casual tank tops.

• Sunglasses on top of your head.

Remember, the judge is a person too. When they see someone who has taken the time to look presentable, it sends a message that you respect the legal process and their time.

Courtroom Etiquette: The "Do's and Don'ts"

Inside the courtroom, there’s a certain rhythm to how things work. It can feel a bit formal, but it’s all designed to keep things moving fairly.

Addressing the Judge

Whenever you speak to the judge, always start or end with "Your Honor." It’s the standard sign of respect in any courtroom. Even if you disagree with what’s being said, staying polite and calm is your best strategy. Let the judge finish speaking before you start; interrupting a judge is a quick way to lose their favor.

Silence is Golden

While you’re waiting for your name to be called, you’ll likely be sitting in the "gallery" (the benches in the back) or in the hallway. It’s important to stay quiet. Judges are often balancing multiple cases at once, and a noisy gallery is a major distraction. If you have a question, ask one of the court staff to let them know you are here.

The Phone Rule

This is a big one. Turn your cell phone off or leave it in the car. If your phone goes off in the middle of a hearing, it’s not just embarrassing: the judge might actually confiscate it. If you have evidence on your phone (like photos or text messages), make sure you’ve printed them out beforehand. You can’t exactly hand your phone to the judge to look at while you’re testifying and the judge can't put it into evidence unless you want to give them your phone.

Preparing Your Paperwork

If you’re heading into a hearing, you should have your "ducks in a row." This means having all your documents organized and ready to go.

Whether you are preparing for an Indiana custody hearing or a small claims case, you should bring:

• Three copies of everything: One for the judge, one for the other side, and one for yourself to keep at the table.

• A notepad and pen: You’ll want to take notes on what the other side says so you can respond when it’s your turn.

• A timeline: If your case involves a long history of events, write down a simple timeline for yourself so you don't get flustered and forget dates.

If your case involves more complex issues, like the new 2025 laws around fentanyl, having the right documentation is even more critical. The law is always changing, and showing up with organized facts helps your case immensely.

Why a Local Lawyer Makes the Difference

You might be wondering, "Can I just do this myself?" While you technically can represent yourself, having a lawyer in Jennings County by your side is like having a local guide in the woods.

I’ve lived and worked here for years. I know how our local courts operate, I know the staff, and I understand the specific preferences of our local judges. When you hire an attorney that serves North Vernon Indiana, you aren't just paying for legal knowledge: you’re paying for someone who knows the "lay of the land."

As a Jennings County attorney, I wear many hats. Sometimes I’m a strategist, sometimes I’m a shield, but I’m always someone who listens to what you have to say and gives you real options. I don’t use "big city" legal jargon to confuse you. I speak plainly because I want you to understand exactly what is happening with your case.

What Happens When Your Name is Called?

When the bailiff calls your name, you’ll walk up to one of the tables in front of the judge. If you have an attorney, you’ll sit with them. If not, you’ll take a seat and wait for the judge to explain the purpose of the hearing.

Don't be surprised if the hearing is shorter than you expected. Many first hearings are "initial hearings" or "status conferences," where the judge is just making sure everyone knows what the charges or claims are and setting a date for a future trial.

If you are asked to speak:

1. Stand up.

2. Speak clearly and into the microphone. if there is one.

3. Be honest. The courtroom is a place for facts, not exaggerations.

If you’re facing a criminal matter, such as a traffic stop where you might be wondering if field sobriety tests are required, your lawyer will do most of the talking for you. This is one of the biggest benefits of having representation: it takes the pressure off you to say the "perfect" thing in a high-stress moment.

After the Hearing

Once the judge says you are dismissed, you can leave the courtroom. But the work doesn't stop there. Make sure you understand the next steps. Did the judge give you a deadline to file paperwork? Did they set another court date?

Before you head back to North Vernon for a bite to eat or head home to Commiskey, take a second to write down what happened while it’s fresh in your mind. If you have a lawyer, this is the time to have a quick debrief in the hallway to make sure you're both on the same page for the next step.