To be allowed into a Courtroom, you must dress with dignity.

Do not wear shorts, flip- flops, sunglasses, muscle shirts, tank tops, baggy or low-riding jeans, T-shirts with rude or vulgar messages, camouflage, or other  distracting clothing. Hats, bandanas, or hoods are not allowed. No see-through clothing, backless or halter tops. Make sure any metal on your person or clothing (e.g., belts, coins, keys) can be removed.

  • LIGHTERS, POCKET KNIVES, AND OTHER CONTRABAND WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.
  • DO NOT CHEW GUM, EAT OR DRINK IN THE COURTROOMS.
  • CELL PHONES, TABLETS, AND OTHER CAMERA/RECORDING-CAPABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE COURTHOUSE WITHOUT SPECIAL WRITTEN PERMISSION.
  • DO NOT BRING CHILDREN TO COURT. 
    • Unless a child has been subpoenaed to testify, please make alternate arrangements. Children are not allowed in the courtroom or hearing rooms. No daycare is provided by the court staff. Children may not be left unattended.

Arrive to your hearing 15 minutes before the scheduled time. You need to allow time to go through security, find your courtroom and check in. Remember to allow time to find parking and get to the courthouse.

At your hearing or trial, you address the judge as “Your Honor.” If your hearing is before a special master, you address him/her as “Sir or Madame” unless told otherwise by the special master.

When the judge or hearing officer enters the courtroom, stand up and sit down only when directed to do so by the judge or hearing officer. Stand up when you address the court.