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