When people have been charged with a significantly violent crime in the state of Texas, they may be required to face their charges in a court trial. Their appearance will require them to strategically prepare to face their charges to hopefully minimize the impact of their crime on the remainder of their life.
People who are prepared to stand in front of a judge and are aware of what happens in a trial, maybe much more confident in their ability to secure a favorable outcome at sentencing.
Understanding violent crime
According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, violent criminal activity can occur in a variety of ways including the following:
- Robbery
- Rape
- Murder
- Assault
Preparing for trial
Whether people who have been charged with violent crime are asked to testify in their own trial or do not plan to testify, their preparation for facing a judge and jury is critical to their ability to make an impression. The American Psychological Association suggests that if people are going to testify in their trial or even when they are required to address the judge, they should use simple language. Experts say that the more verbose a person’s language is, the more likely a judge is to dismiss what is being said completely.
Another suggestion is that people be aware of their body language and the signals they are sending through the way they move. People should also make direct eye contact with the person asking them questions, maintain a respectful tone and use appropriate language for a court setting. Nervous or flighty body movements may send the signal that a person is guilty or uncomfortable which could sway the opinion of the jury and others in court.
