What NOT to do in Court.

An image from the courtroom video Fulton County Superior Court/WXIA

There are just certain things not to do in Court, such as:
 Don't show up late. On the day of your hearing, it’s very important to arrive early. You will need to walk through a metal detector and put your belongings through an x-ray machine before you’re allowed into the courthouse. Depending on how busy things are, the security line can take a while. Don't wear your clubbin' clothes.   Go to court dressed like you’re going to a job interview. You are literally about to be judged. Dress accordingly. If you don’t have fancy clothes, that’s fine. Just wear something that shows respect. And don’t wear a t-shirt with a message on it.Don't use your phone. You will not be able to use your phone, computer or any other device in the courtroom. Leave those items in your car or at home, if you can. Don't interrupt. It's important to be polite to everyone in the courthouse. Whether before, during or after your hearing, you must carefully listen to what you're told. In the hearing, never interrupt the judge, magistrate or anyone that's talking. You must wait until it’s your turn. Learn more about how to speak in court.Don’t be afraid to ask. If the clerk, judge, magistrate or anyone else says something or asks you something that you don't understand, ask them to explain what they mean.  Don't do a Drug Deal.   Wait a minute - what?

Recently, two of 14 defendants standing trial in a RICO case that is expected to take about a year to prosecute regarding alleged gang activity in Atlanta, Georgia, have reportedly made the prosecution's case against them a bit stronger. According to reports, the two conducted a hand-to-hand drug deal in open court during jury selection proceedings this week.

On Wednesday, defendant Jeffrey Williams, 31, better known as the rapper Young Thug, was in the Fulton County Courthouse sitting next to his attorney when fellow defendant Kahlieff Adams stood up in the back of the courtroom and began walking toward the front. Before he turned toward a door, which some have indicated is a restroom, Adams reached out and grasped Williams' right hand, and Williams immediately placed his hand underneath the table in front of him.

Deputies then converged on Williams, suggesting that they sensed Williams and Adams had done more than simply shake hands. Williams then handed over to the deputies an item in his hand, which officials later claimed was a Percocet pill. 

When Adams was searched, deputies reportedly found Percocet, marijuana, and tobacco that had been covered with food seasoning to mask the odor and sewn into his jacket lining. He was later transported to Grady Hospital after he supposedly consumed other contraband in an effort to destroy evidence.

Thus, the final rule of what not to do in Court is to commit a crime, especially when the Judge is on the bench, the bailiff is beside you and the cameras are pointed at you.  If you need more help than these guys received in the courtroom please let Winslow Law know at 843-357-9301. 

May God Bless You, Your Business, and this Country, 

Tom Winslow