Courtroom Conduct and Expectations

Court staff can:

Provide you with the status of a specific case; documentation on findings in a specific case; general information on court rules; court-approved forms for some proceedings; and court schedules and policies.

Court staff cannot:

Provide advice about what plea should be entered; provide any legal advice; speculate about what decision the judge might make or what sentence the judge will impose; talk to the judge for you or let you talk to the judge, speculate about how your record at MVD will be affected or whether your insurance rates will increase.

Please be courteous and patient to court staff and respect the limits on what they can and cannot do.

Court staff do not know the answers to all questions about court rules, procedures, and practices. They have been instructed not to answer questions if they do not know the answer and not to advise you on what to file or how to proceed in a case and cannot provide any form of legal advice.

Remember, the court must remain impartial. They do not take sides in any manner coming before the court. The information provided by court staff is not a substitute for legal advice. It is recommended that you consult with an attorney before representing yourself. If you choose to represent yourself in court, you will be held to the same standards as a lawyer and will be expected to know the law and legal procedures.

Etiquette & Decorum

In order to maintain order and uphold the dignity and decorum of the judicial branch of government, rules of conduct and dress for litigants, counsel, witnesses, court staff, and spectators will ensure that the persons in the courtroom do no obstruct or interfere with the orderly transaction of court business nor degrade or insult the dignity of the judicial proceedings.

• Arrive 10 minutes prior to court and be prepared.

• No Electronic devices of any kind (smart phones, cell phones, or other electronic devices. If

a cell phone rings in the Court room, it will be treated as a contempt charge.

• Chitdren must be supervised at all times and are not permitted in the courtroom.

• No gum chewing, tobacco, food or beverages allowed in the courtroom.

• The judge is to be addressed at "Your Honor".

• Foul language will not be tolerated.

• Speak only when instructed or given permission. Do not interrupt, especially the judge, you will be given the opportunity to speak at the appropriate time.

• When speaking use formal English and avoid slang.

Courtroom Attire

Dress code applies to anyone entering the courtroom, Male or Female

• No shorts, skirts, or dresses shorter than mid-high.

• No spaghetti strap shirts, tank tops, midriffs, or low-cut shirts.

• No pajamas or exposed undergarments.

• No clothing that references drugs, alcohol, tobacco, profanity, racial/ ethical slurs, or is gang related.

• No hats, sunglasses, or other headwear are to be worn unless required by religious custom,

practice, or medical purpose.

• Clothing that is torn or shredded in appropriate areas is prohibited.

Weapons

• No weapons of any kind are allowed in the court.

Fines and Charges

If you are in violation of the above policy, you will not be permitted to enter the courtroom andwill be rescheduled to appear at a later date and will be subject to Contempt 1 charges.

Contempt 1 charges shall be punished by a fine of not more than $500.00, or imprisonment for not more than 90 days in the county jail, or both such fine and imprisonment.