If you are currently counting down the days until a criminal court case, then you are probably quite nervous and understandably so. Not only does going to court mean potentially being fined or even imprisoned, but it also means having to perform and speak in front of a large and critical audience and potentially having your reputation irrevocably damaged.

Being concerned of course is only natural and nothing to be ashamed of, but it's also not productive if it means you aren't going to prepare to the best of your abilities. Runtz OG Be nervous sure, but don't let it stop you from tackling the problem head on and doing everything that you possibly can to do prepare and to ensure that you are ready to give it your best shot. Here's how to prepare.

Find a Great Lawyer

This should be your number one priority and it is the single most effective way you can affect the outcome of your court hearing. Using a great lawyer will mean that you get the best advice and have the best idea of how to proceed, and it will mean that you have someone there to represent you and to ensure that you aren't left out there on your own to make your case.

To find a great lawyer try looking online. Make sure to ask around and to look at case histories and most importantly speak with them to see if your personalities gel.

Have a Plan

Now you should discuss with your lawyer how you want to proceed. They will be able to give you all the relevant information such as whether you should plead guilty or not guilty and they will help you to assess the evidence. With their help you can decide how you want to tackle the case and this will give you some structure for collecting evidence, preparing witnesses and generally doing everything you can.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Standing up in court is essentially a form of public speaking and like any public speaking... well it's terrifying. It's crucial here that you come across as confident and coherent though, as your performance now will be required to convince the judge and jury. If you seem overly nervous or unsure then it won't instil faith in them that your story is real.

Your lawyer should be able to practice your case with you and talk you through what is going to happen. Likewise they can also help you go over the kinds of questions you may be asked, and can similarly prep your witnesses. The more you do this, the better chance your strategy will have of working.

Make Preparations

You also need to think about the preparations you want to make in terms of logistics. There is a chance that your case could stretch on for a great number of weeks or even months and this is going to interrupt your usual routine. Make sure that your employers know you may have to take time off work, and that you have a babysitter to look after your children if necessary. It's also worth investing in some smart looking clothes.