How to speak to a judge on the phone?

Asked by: Yadira Hauck  |  Last update: June 5, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (42 votes)

If you are involved in a court case, you are generally not allowed to privately contact the judge about the case. "Ex parte" means one-sided. Talking privately with the judge about your case, without giving notice to the other party, is called "ex parte communication" and is generally not allowed.

Is it okay to call a judge judge?

In person: In an interview, social event, or in court, address a judge as “Your Honor” or “Judge [last name].” If you are more familiar with the judge, you may call her just “Judge.” In any context, avoid “Sir” or “Ma'am.” Special Titles.

How do you start a conversation with a judge?

1. Be extremely polite. Some phrases to consider, “Your Honor, may I address the court, I have something I would like the court to know”, or, “Pardon me your Honor, may I speak?” 2. Stay calm. This is hard to do when you think you might be losing,...

Can I speak to a judge over the phone?

If you want to tell the judge about your case or if you want to ask the judge to take cer tain action in your case, you should not call or write the judge directly. Instead, you should mail a written motion to the clerk of the judge's court or drop off that document in person at the clerk's office.

How do you speak respectfully with a judge?

Always use “Your Honor” when speaking directly to the judge. This term of respect acknowledges the judge's authority and role within the courtroom.

What Do I Say to the Judge in Court?

28 related questions found

What not to say to a judge?

Here are five things all defendants will want to avoid saying to a criminal judge:
  • 'I Did It. ' ...
  • 'They Didn't Tell Me...' ...
  • Expletives. ...
  • Lies, Lies, Lies. ...
  • 'I Will Represent Myself.

Can you say yes sir to a judge?

This will lose you the respect of the judge and the jury. Any lawyer who can make a witness mad will probably cause the witness to exaggerate, appear unobjective, and emotionally unstable. Be sure to answer "Yes Sir/Ma'am" and "No Sir/Ma'am" and to address the judge as "Your Honor. "

Can a judge look at your phone?

The law requires “probable cause” before the search or seizure of a cell phone. Therefore, without probable cause and a legally executed search warrant, cell phone search records would most likely be inadmissible in court.

Can you talk back to a judge?

Under the Judicial Code of Conduct, judges may not permit or consider “ex parte communications” in deciding a case unless expressly allowed by law. This ban helps judges decide cases fairly since their decisions are based only on the evidence and arguments presented to the court and the applicable law.

How long does a telephone hearing take?

Our hearings can take approximately an hour or sometimes longer, so please ensure you provide a telephone number that will be accessible to you on the day and time of your hearing for the full length of the hearing.

What do judges want to hear?

At the end of the day, a judge wants to hear three things: accountability, responsibility, and remorse. They also want to hear your reasoning. Why did you commit the crime in the first place?

How to impress a judge in court?

Dress professionally and appropriately. It is not necessary to dress like a lawyer, but conservative and “business casual” is a good rule. Do wear tidy clothing and groom yourself neatly. You want to be taken seriously by the judge.

How do you say hello in court?

Stand and greet the court, then state your name and who you are representing. For example: “Good morning, your honor.

What can a judge not do?

More than any other branch of government, the judiciary is built on a foundation of public faith-judges do not command armies or police forces, they do not have the power of the purse to fund initiatives and they do not pass legislation. Instead, they make rulings on the law.

Why can't you chew gum in court?

Neither snacks nor beverages are allowed in the courtroom. Even chewing gum can be seen as a sign of disrespect, especially while speaking to the Judge. Make sure you wake up early enough before your court appointment to have breakfast and coffee, so that you'll be alert and able to focus.

Is it OK to write a letter to a judge?

We always advise against clients writing letters directly to the judge or the prosecutor. Most of these letters will not be considered, and many end up in the recycling bin. If you have questions or issues, you should discuss them with your defense attorney, who will help you through the process.

Can I call and talk to a judge?

For most court cases, ex parte communication is strictly prohibited, as it can impact the decision of the case. If you are currently in a case, you are not permitted to contact a judge outside of the courtroom. Instead of contacting the judge directly, you can file a written motion.

When a judge doesn't like you?

What if I get a judge that doesn't like me? Unfortunately, you are stuck. The only way you can change a judge is if you recuse them but there has to be some sort of wrongdoing or bias that is shown and that's not always easy to do.

What is the best thing to say in court?

No matter how upset you are or feel the process is unfair, do NOT discuss the facts of your case in open court. Let your attorney do the talking and only answer “yes, your Honor” or “no, your Honor” when a question is specifically directed at you by the judge.

Do judges look at text messages?

Under California law, text messages are admissible as evidence in family court proceedings. When presented as evidence, a text message can help support your case or establish accusations of domestic violence, extramarital affairs, child abuse, or financial infidelity.

Can a judge see your record?

Just because your record is expunged does not mean you get a “reset.” Prosecutors and judges will have access to your full, un-expunged criminal record, and you can be sure that they will use this information against you in court.

Can a judge tell if someone is lying?

First, with proper cross-examination, judges can usually tell when a person is being dishonest because people often lie without thinking about it all the way through. As a result, in my experience, it is generally easy to poke holes in a person's story.

What not to say in court?

Don't mumble; speak loudly enough to be heard by everyone in the room. Don't lie about anything, not even white [small] lies. If you are discovered to be lying, the judge may find it hard to believe you when you are telling the truth.

Can you say you don't remember in court?

Do not give attorneys answers you think they want. If you do not remember, say you don't remember – not that you do not know. Do not guess if you are not sure, unless you are instructed to give an estimate. If you make mistakes in answering, correct yourself as soon as you realize your mistake.

Is it OK to call a judge judge?

DO be respectful to the judge; address him or her as "Your Honor" or "Judge." DON'T chew gum in the courtrooms. DO turn pagers and cellular telephones off while visiting the Courthouse. DON'T bring food or beverages into a courtroom.