If you have been ordered to appear in court, this link will provide important information that will assist you before your appearance. This information does not constitute legal advice. If you require legal assistance, please consult an attorney.

When Appearing in Court

1. Be on time
2. Throw away gum, food, and drinks before entering the courtroom
3. Stand when the judge enters and leaves the courtroom
4. Stand when you are speaking to the judge
5. Speak clearly when you respond to the judge's questions
6. Always address the judge as "Your Honor"
7. Never interrupt the judge. If you are unsure of what you heard, wait until the judge or other person speaking at your hearing has finished talking before asking a question
8. Enter and leave the courtroom quietly, so you do not disturb others
9. Only approach the judge's bench when instructed to do so

Dressing for Court

If you are appearing in court you should dress nicely and in a manner that shows respect for the Court. Here are some things you shouldNOT wear:

• Hats inside the courtroom (except those worn for religious purposes)
• Sunglasses
• T-shirts depicting violence, sexual acts, profanity, alcohol or illegal drugs
• Tube or halter tops
• Tops with plunging necklines or tops that show the midriff
• Ripped or torn jeans
• Mini skirts
• Shorts
• Baggy pants that fall below the waistline
• Muscle shirts (usually worn as undergarments)

If you are not dressed properly, you will be asked to leave the court and return at a later date. This will delay your hearing and require you to appear in court more than once.

Prohibited Items

Items that should NOT enter the courthouse:

• Weapons of any kind
• Electronic equipment such as video, voice recorders or cameras (unless previously approved by the court)
• Food, beverages, chewing gum or tobacco

Children in the Courtroom

Please do not bring small children to court unless the court has ordered them to be present. Many topics discussed in the courtroom are inappropriate for children and may be hurtful or confusing. Please arrange for a friend or relative to watch your child(ren) while you are in court.

Cell Phones and Pagers

The use of cell phones or pagers is not allowed in the courtroom. Your cell phone or pager must be turned off before entering so that you do not disrupt the court. If you are required to carry a phone or pager for business purposes, it must be placed on silent mode.

Security Precautions

Before entering the court you may go through a security checkpoint. In most cases, you will be asked to walk through a metal detector or an officer will use a wand to check for prohibited items. You should allow the officer to search any bags, packages or personal belongings that will be taken into the courtroom. If you refuse to cooperate, you may be denied entry to your hearing.

Respect

The courtroom is a place of order and structure. You should at all times act in a respectful manner when in the presence of the judge, court staff, attorneys, court officers and other persons attending court. Once the court has made a ruling in your case, continue to be respectful as you exit the courtroom. Attempts to disrupt the court once the judge has made a ruling may result in jail time.