Court Appearances and Rules

Court Appearances

The law requires you to appear in court on your case. If you were issued a citation, your appearance date is noted at the bottom of the citation. You or your attorney may appear in person in open court, by mail, or you may deliver your plea in person to the court except juveniles (under 17 years of age) and minors (under 21 years of age).

Juveniles (under 17 years of age) are required by law to appear in person and with a parent or legal guardian before the Court.

Minors (under 21 years of age) charged with any type of alcohol offense are required to appear in Court as follows:

  • Anyone under 17 years of age must appear in person before the Court and must be accompanied by his or her parent or legal guardian.
  • Anyone under 21 years of age, but over 18 years of age must appear in person before the Court. A parent or legal guardian is not required to appear in court with you.

Your first appearance is to enter your plea. If you plead not guilty, the court will schedule a jury trial unless you waive that right. If you do, the trial will be before the judge. When you make your appearance by mail, the court must receive your plea before your scheduled appearance date. If you plead guilty or no contest, you must include a waiver of jury trial. If you plead not guilty, the court will notify you of the date of your trial.

Court Rules

  • No weapons, cameras, recording devices, radios, walkmans, ipods, or any other electronic equipment allowed in the courtroom.
  • No food, drink, gum, or tobacco products allowed in the courtroom.
  • No tank or halter tops, muscle or undershirts, T-shirts with indecent, obscene, or profane words or language, graphics, or illustrations, or gang-related clothing allowed in the courtroom.
  • No shorts of any kind, bare midriffs, baggy pants or shorts, or torn clothing (even if it is the style) are allowed in the courtroom.
  • No caps, hats, bandanas, or do-rags allowed in the courtroom.
  • No sunglasses or bare feet allowed in the courtroom.
  • No use of obscene or profane language or signs.
  • All cell phones, beepers, pagers, and all other communicative devices must be turned off before entering the courtroom.