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How is a hearing conducted

  1. You must present yourself before the judge properly dressed and preferably ten minutes ahead of time.
  2. The roll indicates the names of the individuals whose cases are to be heard and the order in which the cases should be heard.
  3. The roll call is done at the very beginning of the hearing. The roll call means that, one by one, the cases are named that are written on the roll. In this regard, the cases appear in increasing numerical order. Persons who are absent will have their case moved to the end of the roll despite their initial position and the length of the delay.
  4. The cases of persons present at roll call are normally heard in the order in which they appear on the roll. When the roll is completed, the cases of persons absent during the roll call are heard.
  5. It is not possible to tell you at what time your case will be heard. In addition, if you decide to leave during the hearing, you should ensure that you are back for the calling of your case or you will find yourself at the end of the roll.
  6. Once your case has been called by the Clerk of the Court, come forward and be seated in the place indicated by this latter,
  7. The Town Prosecutor will first present his or her evidence. When that person has finished, the judge will ask you if you wish to testify. You are not required to testify but if you do, the Clerk of the Court will show you where to place yourself. You will be sworn in and should speak loudly because the proceedings are recorded.
  8. Once the evidence has been given, the two parties will be invited by the judge to present their observations. At this stage, it is no longer possible to bring forward new evidence or new elements. You may only comment on the case in general, indicating to the judge why, in view of the evidence presented, you should be acquitted.
  9. Following the comments from the two parties, the judge will render his decision immediately or will take the case under deliberation. You may not, at this stage, add anything or interrupt the judge.