Three Tips for Going to Court in Florida That Most People Learn the Hard Way
I’ve watched a lot of court appearances go sideways over 33 years in this business — not because the law was unfavorable, not because the evidence was overwhelming, but because of avoidable mistakes that happened before anyone said a single legal word. These three tips won’t win your case by themselves. However, ignoring them can hurt you before your case even starts.
I had a client show up late to a hearing once because the security line took longer than expected. The judge noticed. The judge remembered. That’s not a reputation you want to build with the person who controls your fate in that courtroom.
Have a Court Date Coming Up?
Getting these three things right won’t win your case, but getting them wrong can cost you more than you realize. Call John Guidry at (407) 423-1117 before that date so you walk in prepared.
Tip One: Be Early
Every Florida courthouse has airport-style security at the entrance. Metal detectors, bag screening, the whole process. And just like an airport, the line moves at its own pace regardless of what time your hearing starts. Officers might send you back to your car for something you didn’t realize you had on you. You get back in line, start over, and suddenly you’re walking into a courtroom where a judge is already looking at the clock.
Judges can make you wait two hours. You cannot make them wait. That’s the whole asymmetry of the courtroom relationship. Show up early enough to clear security, find the correct courtroom, get settled, and still have a few minutes to breathe before the clerk calls your name. For most Orange County courthouses, I tell clients to budget at least an extra forty-five minutes beyond what they think they need.
Tip Two: Dress Up
This one sounds obvious, and yet it comes up constantly. Dress up for court. If you don’t own dressy clothes, go get some before the date. A court appearance is an important event — probably one of the most consequential things happening in your life right now — and your appearance communicates to the judge whether or not you understand that.
Judges notice. Prosecutors notice. Jurors notice, if it gets that far. You don’t need to show up in a designer suit, but business attire sends a message that you take this seriously. Shorts, t-shirts, and flip flops send a different message, one you don’t want delivered before you’ve said a single word in your own behalf.
When I tell clients this, some of them push back — why should clothes matter? The truth is they shouldn’t, but they do. A judge who sees a well-dressed, composed defendant in front of them starts from a different place than a judge who sees someone who looks like they rolled in off the beach. You’re asking this judge for something. Dress like it.
Tip Three: Yes, Your Honor. No, Your Honor.
When the judge speaks to you, your answer is “yes, your honor” or “no, your honor.” Not “yeah.” Not “uh-huh.” Not “sure.” Those answers are fine when you’re at a bar or watching the game somewhere. They are not fine in a courtroom.
I’ve seen defendants lose goodwill with a judge in a single syllable. A judge asks a straightforward question and gets a casual “yeah” back, and the whole energy in the courtroom shifts. Judges are formal by nature. The courtroom is their domain. Treating it with respect — through something as simple as how you answer a question — tells the judge that you understand where you are and that you’re taking this seriously.
Your honor. Two words. Practice them before you walk through the door.
If You Want More Related Content
Check out our more videos and breakdown articles covering major updates in Florida defense law. You can also use the links below to stay informed. Learn how to protect your constitutional rights when dealing with law enforcement.
Watch: https://youtu.be/EL2xjaP6XFE
Read: https://jgcrimlaw.com/articles/first-court-date-florida/
John’s Takeaways
- Be early, not on time. Every Florida courthouse has security screening that can slow you down unexpectedly. Budget an extra forty-five minutes and never let a judge wonder where you are.
- Dress for the occasion. Business attire communicates respect for the court, the judge, and the seriousness of your situation. Casual clothes communicate the opposite.
- Every answer to the judge is “yes, your honor” or “no, your honor.” Nothing casual, nothing abbreviated. The judge’s courtroom runs on formality, and you’re asking them for something.
- These tips don’t win cases, but ignoring them can hurt you. First impressions in a courtroom matter before anyone makes a single legal argument.
- A court date is one of the most important days of your life. Treat it that way from the moment you leave the house.
Going to Court Soon? Let’s Make Sure You’re Ready.
I’ve been preparing clients for court appearances in Central Florida since 1993, and the three tips above come from watching what happens when people get them right and when they don’t. I represent clients across Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Lake, Brevard, and Volusia County.
If you have a court date coming up, call my office. Let’s make sure you walk in there the right way.
John Guidry — (407) 423-1117
About John Guidry II
John Guidry II is a seasoned criminal defense attorney and founder of the Law Firm of John P. Guidry II, P.A., located in downtown Orlando next to the Orange County Courthouse, where he has practiced for over 33 years. With more than three decades of experience defending clients throughout Central Florida since 1993, Guidry has successfully defended thousands of cases in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Brevard, Lake, and Volusia counties. He has built a reputation for his strategic approach to criminal defense, focusing on pretrial motions and case dismissals rather than jury trials.
John Guidry earned both his Juris Doctorate and Master of Business Administration from St. Louis University in 1993. He is a member of the Florida Bar and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. His practice encompasses the full spectrum of Florida state criminal charges, with a particular emphasis on achieving favorable outcomes through thorough pretrial preparation and motion practice.
Beyond the courtroom, Guidry is a prolific legal educator who has authored over 400 articles on criminal defense topics. He shares his legal expertise through his popular YouTube channel, Instagram, and TikTok accounts, where he has built a substantial following of people eager to learn about the law. His educational content breaks down complex legal concepts into accessible information for the general public.
When not practicing law, Guidry enjoys tennis and pickleball, and loves to travel. Drawing from his background as a former recording studio owner and music video producer in the Orlando area, he brings a creative perspective to his legal practice and continues to apply his passion for video production to his educational content.