Success in court cases refers to the most favourable possible outcome for the respective party. Whether you’re the accused or defendant, you will have to play the hand of cards you have to your best advantage. This is why it is crucial to keep all your emotions in check and objectively approach litigation decisions.
Here are a few tips on how to win a court case.
Don’t Litigate for Spite or Revenge
Definitely don’t make litigation decisions solely for revenge. You will end up hurting just yourself. Other than generating increased litigation expenses, both your happiness and health will suffer. If the only motivation for going to court regarding this case is spite or revenge, it is in your best interests that you find a way to settle the case or end it.
Seek Mediation Instead of Litigation
A negotiated solution to a legal dispute is quicker in almost all cases and is less expensive and more private than litigating the same in court. More often than not, judges require litigants to attempt to reach a consensus through a trained facilitator known as a mediator before they are allowed to move forward with a courtroom trial. Windows for mediation are usually short, so try to take advantage of the situation while you still can.
Take Charge of Your Case
Lawyers often have confident yet forceful personas when it comes to handling a case and more importantly, clients. Make sure that you are the one in charge of calling the shots in the case. Try not to send mixed signals to the lawyer about matters such as what kind of negotiated settlement you would accept. Speak up for yourself, and make sure that you are in control of the case.
Listen to Your Advisers
Your attorney understands the legal process in a way better than you do. It is like trying to outrun a tiger or outswim a shark, without your lawyer’s help you don’t stand a chance in court. So, it’s worth paying attention to the advice of your lawyer. However, this does not mean that you should not ask probing questions if you do not understand something. Just keep in mind that your lawyer has enough experience and professional training in these matters.
Be Flexible
Success in a court case often means obtaining a desirable settlement, because a large number of cases will settle before trial. While negotiating with the other side, try to be adjustable in deciding what you need. Your proposal of a fair deal might be entirely different from the point of view of the opposing party. So, even though you might want to drive a hard bargain, both sides will probably have to compromise eventually. The earlier a negotiable settlement is reached, the better.
