Court Conduct & Appearance

It is important to remember that appearance and conduct are important when coming to court. All persons present in the courtroom shall be clean, neat, and dressed appropriately, and conduct themselves in a manner reflecting dignity and respect for the court.

Courtroom Rules and Information

• No weapons of any kind are permitted in the Municipal Court building, nor any other city building.
• Be on time for a court appearance. Be sure to allow ample time for traffic, parking, and security screening when you arrive. You must be present in the courtroom when the docket is called. Showing up late could result in not being admitted into the courtroom and a warrant maybe issued if you fail to answer when your name is called.
• All persons must rise when the judge enters or leaves the courtroom, and must remain standing until the judge or bailiff instructs the audience to be seated. 
• Refrain from noisy or disruptive behavior and be respectful of all court proceedings. This includes frequent entering and exiting of the courtroom. Failure to do so could result in you being asked to leave the courtroom. 
• Reading newspapers, books, and magazines in the courtroom, particularly if this causes a distraction, generally is not allowed.
• When addressing the Judge, do not lean on the bench.
• Do not use offensive language.
• No food, drinks, or gum chewing will be allowed in the Courtroom.
• Smoking is prohibited by law in all areas of city buildings. 
• Avoid bringing small children to court. If you must, please monitor their behavior so they remain quiet at all times. Parent may be asked to leave the courtroom if their child becomes noisy or unruly.
• Please wear suitable clothing to court. It is inappropriate to enter the courtroom unless you are wearing at least a T-shirt, pants (including Bermuda shorts in summer months) and shoes. T-shirts that carry offensive slogans or pictures are not allowed.
• Hats must be removed before entering the Courtroom.
• All electronic devices, cellular phones and pagers must be turned off or on silent mode while in the Courtroom. Failure to do so could result in you being asked to leave the courtroom.

Please note that all persons entering the courtroom will be subject to a security screening, including metal detectors. This could include random searches of strollers, bags, purses, briefcases and any other personal items as required by security personnel. These security measures are in place to ensure the safety of all persons who enter the courtroom.

No video or audio recording equipment of any kind shall be turned on in the Courtroom without the prior approval of the Judge. Such equipment includes but is not limited to: video camera, still cameras, and all audio recording devices.