When you enter the courtroom sit close to the front. Do not talk in the courtroom.

When court starts, listen for your name to be called. Your name may be mispronounced so listen closely. If I represent you, when your name is called say, “Attorney” loudly and clearly. If your name is called and you do not answer, it is the same as not being there. If your name is not called, notify the person who is calling the names in the courtroom at the first recess or break or call our offices. You may be in the wrong courtroom.

If you get to court late, stay in the courtroom. The Assistant District Attorney may call names a second time after court starts. If you are late and your name is not called then stay in the courtroom until the next break or recess and let the person who is calling the names know that you are there. This does not mean that the judge will listen to your case.

After the judge hears your case and has reached a decision, make sure that you understand what the judge’s decision is. If you have any questions, ask your attorney before you leave the courtroom.

If the judge says that you are guilty, then you need to have cash to pay your fine and the costs of court. The clerk in the courtroom will tell you where to pay your fine. If you are permitted to pay in installments, make sure that you have your case number with you each time that you come to make a payment. Keep all of your receipts for payment!