Going to Court ...

First Impressions: You need to present yourself in a positive way to the Judge. The Judge will be making decisions about your future and things that are important to you such as: your freedom, where you live, your driver’s license and your money.

DO NOT WEAR:

Hats
Anything referring to sex, violence, cigarettes, drugs or alcohol
Hooded sweatshirts, winter coats
Cell phones or pagers
Tank tops
Pajamas
Flip flops
Shorts
Miniskirts
Shirts that show any of your belly or cleavage
Pants that show your underwear
Untied sneakers or shoes
Anything dirty, or with holes or patches
T-shirts (wear a shirt with a collar)
Weapons of any kind (including pocket knives)
No cigarettes in wallet, purse or pockets
Facial piercings
Cover any tattoos

Talking to the Judge:
In addition to what you wear, how you behave in front of the Judge matters.

Stand up when you talk to the Judge
Do not slouch or lounge in the chair
Speak loud enough for the Judge to hear you
Make eye contact with the Judge
Do not mumble to the Judge or under your breath
Do not say ‘Yeah’ ‘Nope’ or ‘Huh?’ Use appropriate words, like “Yes, Ma’am” or “Yes, Sir”
Never show anger in the courtroom, it does not help your position and can hurt your case instead. Let your lawyer do the arguing for you.

DO NOT:

Smoke cigarettes near the Court. Even outside, somebody from court can see you.
Discuss your case with your friends
Talk about the party you just went to or how hung over you feel
Talk about things you have gotten away with

FINAL TIPS:

Arrive to court on time
Stay focused on what is happening in court
Be respectful towards everyone you meet in court – including police, judges, lawyers, witnesses and other kids
Treat this like the important event that it is