Cook County Info....

NEW CIVIL
FILING FEE
EFFECTIVE
3-1-2008

NEW TRAFFIC &
CRIMINAL CASES
FILING FEES
EFFECTIVE
3-1-2008

TIPS ON SELF-REPRESENTATION

The Court is a very traditional and polite place. When you are representing yourself in Court you are
trying to persuade a judge or a jury that you are right. So you must act, dress, and speak in a way that
helps you with your case. Here are some tips:

•When you come to Court, dress as professionally as possible. This means clothes that are neat and
clean, and without holes. You should be clean and neatly groomed.

•How you act is as important as how you look. You must be respectful to everyone in Court. This
includes the judge, court staff, the other party involved in your case, witnesses, and people in the
hallways.

•The Court has a very busy schedule, so you must be on time for the judge or for any other appointment.
If you are late, your case might get postponed, or you could get in trouble with the judge. Make sure
you bring all the court documents you need for your appointment.

•The judge or commissioner cannot speak to you about your case except when your case is being heard
and when the other party is there. The judge’s staff will help you in any way they can with questions
like when your hearing is scheduled or whether the judge has decided yet on your case. But, staff
cannot give you legal advice or recommendations on what you should do. Always be polite with judges
and with Court staff, and be prepared to provide any information they request.

•When you represent yourself in Court, get legal advice from a lawyer ahead of time to make sure you
are doing the right thing. Legal advice includes deciding what option is best for you. Some lawyers
provide "coaching" which is a way of helping you help yourself. This is different from and cheaper than
hiring a lawyer to represent you.

•In summary, always remember the 4 p’s; Professionalism, Punctuality (or being on time), Politeness,
and Preparation. This will go a long way toward helping you help yourself in Court.