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I will definitely be using your company in the future if needed. Lisa kept me at ease also there were no grey areas with great advice. Helana is a great front of house.

- Client

My legal matter concerning an application for a Domestic Violence Order was managed by Mr Thomas Allen. I am grateful for the outcome he obtained. Without Mr Allen and his ongoing support, I would be certain of a different result. It has been an extremely stressful period. Mr Allen’s astute ability to liaise on my behalf and his expertise was invaluable and for which I am grateful as I am now able to move forward. Thanking you

- Client

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Armstrong Legal and specifically Mr Thomas Allen for representing me in my recent case. At the outset, I would like to thank Mr Allen for the very professional delivery of his legal service. From the first time that I met Mr Allen, I was very impressed with his demeanour and delivery as he made me feel at ease knowing the severity of my case. Mr Allen not only gave me the possible positive outcomes of the case but also the realisation of the worst-case scenario as far as sentencing goes. … I will certainly be recommending Armstrong Legal to any of my friends or family needing representation in criminal matters. Thank you so very much.

- Client

Thank you for your representation and help. Fingers crossed for the next step and parole. I just want to say that from the first phone call to your office, your service has been outstanding and have put my mind at ease. I am glad I picked your number to ring.

- Client

Thank you Armstrong Legal, the lawyers that have helped over the past 3 years but more importantly, thank you to Thomas Allen for the major part you and Mr Buckland played. Cannot thank you enough. Cheers.

- Client

Hi all. I would like to thank Ms Lisa Riley for all her help with my legal issues this past month. It was the most harrowing experience of my life and thanks to her expertise, professionalism and knowledge of the law, I came out almost unscathed. I have no hesitation in recommending Lisa Riley and Armstrong Legal if you need help. The service is amazing and the cost was very minimal for the great outcome. Thank you Lisa for helping me in the most difficult time.

- Client

I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. My whole life I was thrown away, you made me feel like I did mean something. I could not have asked for a better lawyer. Your compassion and love for your job is inspiring. Your upfront and honesty were muchly appreciated, you are a beautiful person. Thank you for not giving up on me and thank you for all the work you put in. I wish you all the best for the future and I will be recommending you to everyone I know. You're amazing!!!!

- Client

I just wanted to thank you for representing me on Monday, I was overjoyed & relieved with the outcome. I don’t think it could have gone any better. All the best, I hope you got to celebrate this one instead after work, you forever made a difference in my life.

I know I thanked you before we parted company but please allow me to reiterate in writing my sincere deepest thanks for defending me in court today. … Armstrong Legal certainly has a great Lawyer you are a credit to the company and I'm quite sure you will secure a very successful future! … My Kindest Regards and Thanks

- Client

Throughout Angela has been the consummate professional. She maintained a calm, yet strong demeanour remained informative and completely open in her communication and took complete ownership of the situation. We felt confident we finally had an advocate to steer us out of the nightmare we were in, and she did so with great respect and sincerity. I cannot speak more highly of Angela. She has literally rescued our family from what looked very much like a hopeless future.

- Client

Words can’t describe how grateful I am to Trudie Cameron being my solicitor and to Andrew Tiedt presenting my case in the court. They both have been very supportive and amazingly professional and effective. I’ve got an absolutely fantastic outcome I couldn’t even dream about.

- Client

Soon after meeting Andrew I knew he was the solicitor I wanted to handle my matter. He immediately sprang into action which brought me stability and hope during a tumultuous time in my life. Andrew was never afraid to give me straight answers to my tough questions which is a true mark of integrity. He is clearly at ease in the court environment and I believe his calm and measured demeanour went a long way to helping me secure the best result from my day in court. I would certainly recommend you approach Andrew if you need assistance.

- Client

"Andrew Tiedt was very professional and considerate to personal circumstances and gave sound advice that resulted in the best outcome possible. Highly recommended."

This article was written by Fernanda Dahlstrom - Content Editor - Brisbane

Fernanda Dahlstrom has a Bachelor of Laws, a Bachelor of Arts and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice. She has also completed a Master’s in Writing and Literature. Fernanda practised law for eight years, working in criminal defence, child protection and domestic violence law in the Northern Territory and in family law in Queensland.

Court Etiquette (Qld)

When you go to court, it is important to show your respect to the court by abiding by the rules of court etiquette. You can familiarise yourself with court etiquette by attending court and observing how people behave and the procedures that are followed. You can also find information about how to behave at court on the Queensland courts website.

Court is generally open, meaning that members of the public can come in and watch the proceedings. In some matters, a decision may be made to close the court. This means that persons who are not involved are not allowed to enter.

Preparing for court

When going to court in a criminal matter where you are the defendant, make sure you are punctual and arrive before the scheduled time. You should come prepared to be at court all day as matters are often not heard at the time that they are scheduled for.

It is important to remember that if your summons says you have to be at court at 10am, this does not mean that your matter will actually be heard at 10am. Rather, it means that your matter is in the 10am list. How long it takes to reach your matter can vary depending on how busy the list is. Your matter may not be heard until the afternoon.

Make sure you take a book or something else to do while you are waiting. If you have children, make arrangements for them so they do not have to wait around at court with you.

It is a good idea to take a pen and paper with you to court, in case you are required to write down an adjournment date or other information.

Finding the courtroom

You can find the correct courtroom by looking at the notice boards and television screens at the courthouse or by asking a staff member at the registry counter. These are usually located in the court’s foyer. Criminal matters are listed by the name of the defendant.

If your matter is being heard in a Magistrates Court, wait outside the court until your name is called. If your matter is in the District Court, the bailiff will be able to tell you when it will be heard. If your matter is in the Supreme Court, you should wait inside the courtroom. Ask the bailiff when your matter is due to start.

If you are in custody, corrections officers or police will make sure you are brought to the correct courtroom at the appropriate time. As you enter the courtroom, bow your head to the Coat of Arms behind the judge or magistrate as a sign of respect to the court before sitting down.

Court etiquette in the courtroom

Some days in court are very busy. If your matter has not yet been called, you should wait in the public seating area until the court is ready to hear your case.

If you are the defendant in a criminal matter and you are representing yourself, you should sit at the left side of the bar table. If you have a lawyer, you should sit in the seating in the main part of the courtroom.

General rules of court etiquette

While in any court is Queensland make sure that you:

turn off your mobile phone;
turn off any alarms on your watch, phone, tablet or any pager;
do not talk unless called upon by the judge or magistrate;
do not eat, drink or chew gum;
do not smoke;
take your sunglasses or hat off before entering the courtroom;
do not record or publish any of the proceeding.

Court etiquette towards the magistrate or judge

The magistrate or judge sits at the front of the court facing everyone else. Everyone in the court must behave respectfully towards the magistrate or judge by:

calling them “Your Honour”;
bowing their head when entering or exiting the courtroom;
standing and keeping quiet when the magistrate or judge enters or exits the courtroom;
standing whenever the magistrate or judge addresses them;
listening to and following any instructions from the judge or magistrate.

Dress etiquette

To show your respect for the court, you will need to dress tidily and conservatively. Suitable attire includes:

a suit;
collared button-up shirt;
pants or a skirt at or below knee level;
clean closed shoes;
if you are representing yourself, it is recommended that you wear a jacket.

It is sometimes said that when dressing for court, you should dress as if you’re going to church.

Dress attire that is not suitable includes:

singlets
strapless or see-through tops
clothing with offensive or disrespectful words or graphics
jeans
thongs
short shorts
mini skirts
sunglasses
hats.

Leaving the court

Court etiquette in Queensland requires that, when leaving the courtroom, a person bows again as a sign of respect.

If you require legal advice or representation in any legal matter, please contact Armstrong Legal.

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