The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated widespread changes, from municipal lockdowns to social distancing measures. In response, many counties, including Boone and Callaway in Missouri, have adapted to the “new normal” by utilizing technology to hold video court meetings. If your attorney has told you you’ll be meeting via Zoom instead of the courthouse, here are some tips for success. 

How to Prepare for a Zoom Court Case

1. Dress Appropriately 

Attending a meeting from the comfort of home may make it feel more casual than appearing in a courtroom. However, it’s essential to dress in courtroom-appropriate attire. Present yourself as you would in a professional job interview.

Wear a shirt and tie, for men, or a conservative blouse or dress, for women. Wear business-casual pants or a skirt as well, in case you need to stand up at any point during the conference. Avoid wearing stripes, and choose predominantly neutral or blue colors as patterns and shades can have a psychological impact. 

2. Be Aware of Your Environment 

Your appearance isn’t the only aspect that can affect the judge’s perception of you. Consider your environment and ensure your home or office is tidy and presentable.

Do a test run with your webcam to see what will be in the field of vision. Try to avoid having anything, such as books, pictures, or decor in the background, which may be distracting or influence the other parties’ opinions of you. Activate video and audio before entering the hearing and be sure to mute your audio until the judge calls your case. 

3. Prepare as Usual 

While the circumstances of a video meeting might be unusual, the process and the purpose of the conference are mainly the same. Even if you don’t meet with your attorney in person, you’ll need to prep with them just as you would for a regular court case.

Your attorney will prepare you for questioning and give you a rundown of what to expect. They’ll also help you understand how to navigate the Zoom chatroom. 

If you’re a Columbia, MO resident in need of an attorney, turn to Law Office of Mike Hamilton. Formerly the District Public Defender of Fulton for nearly 20 years, this respected criminal defense lawyer is the community’s most trusted resource for legal counsel on a range of topics, including drug possession, driving while intoxicated, and probation violations. Call (573) 825-5698 to speak with a helpful staff member to schedule a consultation. Or visit the website to learn more about the law firm and how they can help you. 

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