How to Attend Trial with Diabetes

Attending a court trial with diabetes can be very stressful. However, if you’re facing a lawsuit in court, you need to attend court. There are things you can do to help relieve the stress. Here are a few suggestions.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Something to eat and drink
• Your medication

1. If you have a lawyer, make it clear at the start that you have diabetes and that you will require periodic breaks throughout the proceedings. Your lawyer will note it in the court record and will bring it to the judge’s attention at the start of the trial.
2. If you represent yourself in court, then you must tell the court office so they can make note of it in your file and so that the judge can be made aware of it at the onset.
3. Many courts will allow the exception for you to bring in juice or a pop drink where normally only water drinks are allowed. Have your lawyer remind the judge of your condition at the beginning of the trial. If you represent yourself, you will need to stand and mention this to the judge at the beginning of the trial.
4. If are required to administer needle injections during the proceedings, you should be excused and do it in the waiting area or if you prefer, the washroom. It’s probably preferred that you don’t do it in the courtroom.
5. If at any time you feel like you’re under attack, you need to tell your lawyer or stand yourself, and request an immediate break.
6. If you are a party to the proceeding and feel that you would not be able to remain seated on a constant basis, then you need to have representation such as a lawyer or paralegal or agent who can remain present during the proceeding on your behalf.

Tips & Warnings

• Most judges have a compassion and respect for individual’s medical needs, and when the circumstances are brought to their attention beforehand, they usually try to work with the individuals to make them as comfortable as possible.