How to Get Ready for Court

What to Bring to Court

• Proper identification (Driver's License, other picture identification with a signature)
• Copy of citation
• Appearance letter or other document with the date and time of the appearance you are attending
• Any receipts regarding the case (security deposit, payment receipts, etc)
• Jail release papers
• Any documents which prove compliance with judicial orders and/or sentencing
• Money or credit card to pay for fines and fees
• Do not use any nickname or alias; use the same spelling as listed on documents related to the case, and make sure that spelling listed on documents is correct.  If your name is not spelled correctly, let the Court know. Be sure to let the Court know of any aliases/maiden names.

Please do not bring babies and small children to court proceedings.

WARNING: If you fail to appear in Court as required, a warrant for your arrest may be issued and you may be arrested and punished by JAIL AND/OR A FINE.

When You First Arrive at the Courthouse

An airport-type security system is installed at the main entrance to the courthouse. People entering the courthouse must place purses and other baggage on the x-ray and walk through the metal detector. The public may not bring any type of weapon through the security gate.

Go up the stairs to the 2 nd floor courthouse information booth. Please check-in with the staff there to find out what courtroom your appearance will be held in.  Even if your document has a courtroom number on it, please check in at the Information Booth, as courtroom numbers do change.

Courtroom Rules

For courtroom appearances, the following rules are enforced:

• Shirt and shoes are required in the courtroom.
• Tank tops are not allowed in the courtroom.
• Caps and hats must be removed upon entering the courtroom.
• Food, drinks, and gum chewing are not allowed in the courtroom.
• Weapons are not allowed in the courthouse.
• Pagers, cell phones and all other electronic devices which may disrupt the proceeding must be turned off.
• Audio and tape recording is not permitted.

Different Types of Hearings and Proceedings

As a defendant, expect to be in Court for a substantial portion of the day to take care of all possible matters.

If you have a criminal case, you must appear on the date, time and place noted on the security release slip, or your notice of hearing.  Most appearances in criminal court are mandatory. Failure to appear for a court appearance may result in a bench warrant for your arrest.

Arraignment- At arraignment, defendants are informed of their rights, told what the charges are filed against them, are provided with court-appointed counsel (if eligible), and enter a plea.

35-Day Call - This is an opportunity for the defendant, the attorney, and the prosecutor to appear before the judge to inform the judge of the progress of any negotiations and preparation for trial. The defendant will have pled not guilty at the arraignment.  One possible outcome will be a change of plea to guilty and sentencing. If there is no change of plea, a trial date will be set at 35-Day Call.

Requesting an Interpreter

Please refer to the Requesting an Interpreter section of the website for more information on requesting a certified interpreter for your court appearance.

Finding a Lawyer