05/14/2025
Do’s and Don’ts of Court Appearances
Top 10 Things To Know
10- Don’t ...
Chew gum
Bring a drink
Take major meds or have a drink before court (duh…)
9- Bring someone to support you. You are going to be nervous. If you can bring a friend or family member with you, it is helpful. Plus, it shows the court you have some support and makes you seem a bit more credible. If the matter is a custody case, that person may have to sit outside the courtroom as those cases are more confidential.
8- Check your emotions and attitude at the door. If you come in hot or way too emotional, it will hurt your credibility with the Judge. This does not mean you can’t cry, but you do need to hold it together. No yelling. No wild hand gestures. No sense of entitlement. No “my way or the highway” talk. Be respectful. Be businesslike. Remember, ever time you are in front of the Judge you are either winning points or losing them.
7- Heading to the front of the courtroom: You sit behind the bar that is set up between the tables/ podium and the seats. When your case is called, you come up to the front of the courtroom- only YOU unless you need to bring someone up as an interpreter. Witnesses stay seated until called. Only Parties are allowed in front of the bar until instructed otherwise.
6- What to bring: Bring something to write down your next court date and the time. Your attorney will also notify you, but it never hurts to have 2 sets of reminders, right?
If you have an Order of Protection hearing, bring your paperwork with you.
If you have Discovery Answers that are due, bring them with you and hand them to your attorney when you are standing in front of the Judge.
If you had to take a drug test, bring a copy of the results.
If you have a trial… you need more help than this “Top 10” list. Check your email for a series of helpful hints.
5- What to wear: Don’t wear shorts.. they won’t let you in. Don’t have a hat… you will have to take it off so leave it in your car. Don’t put your sunglasses on top of your head.
4- What to say:
When addressing the Judge, “yes your honor”
When talking about the other attorney, “Opposing Counsel”
Stick to yes and no as much as possible. Whisper to the attorney if something is important.
Be sure when you are talking about a person, use their name rather than “he” “she” because it is more powerful and helps keep the facts straight.
When you are talking about an event, know and say the date. It is ok to say “around…” for a time or date.
3- Follow the rules:
PHONES: Not all courts allow you to bring your phone, but you should turn it OFF in the courtroom.
WEBEX:
o If you have a Webex, you should also turn off notifications or anything else that might make noise.
o Make sure you know how to MUTE and UNMUTE yourself. Keep yourself muted until your case is called.
o Only speak if spoken to… however, if the Judge does not give you a chance to speak and you need to do so (not to tell him your side of the story because it is not relevant), try an “excuse me your honor” and then wait for him/her to address you.
2- Be Early. Check your DATE, TIME, AND COURTROOM. Give yourself time to get through security and find your courtroom. You will also need to check in with your attorney, or if you don’t have one, the Bailiff. If you have a Webex, be on the call no more than 15 minutes early or you will get booted out and then have to call in again.
1- Listen to what the Judge says. Don’t talk over them. Don’t argue with them. Listen for their clues in what they say. Do what they tell you to do.
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