Behavior Analysis in the Criminal Justice System
Interacting with the Courts
At court:
You will need to sign in when you get there and let them know you are there for the client. Have the case number with you, if you can find it. If you attend online, then you have to sign in there as well. Make sure you connect with a Public Defender. They typically sit on the left side of the courtroom.
I recommend getting there at least an hour early. Try to find the PD and make contact with them. BRING BUSINESS CARDS!! I would bring copies of the safety plan. At least three, one for the PD, the judge and the District Attorney. If you can’t find the Public Defender., make contact with the bailiff. Let anyone and everyone know you are there for your client. When the case gets called, his supports would all come up to the stand with him. The more the merrier.. This is where having as many people as possible can affect the outcome.
Do a little prep with him first. I love the idea of the social story that Sam did. Let me know that you are there to help but you may say things about his behavior that may sound negative but you are saying those things to help the court understand him better, and KEEP THEM OUT OF JAIL.
Each county is different as well as each judge. So these are just guidelines
Members of the court do not usually have professionals like behavior analysts around so they will typically not understand the role of the BCBA. Courts can get really busy so many members of the court (especially the bailiff and PD) may kind of ignore you. Feel free to be assertive!!