What I should expect when I go to court?

* Prior to entering the courtroom, please turn off or silence your phone or pager.

* When you get to court, check the bulletin board for your name on the court list and have a seat in the courtroom.

* Listen to instructions from the court staff and judge. The proceedings are sound recorded, so please remain quiet until it is your time to speak.

* The judge will give an opening statement explaining court procedures, defendants’ rights and penalties.

 Cases are usually called in the following order:

        Pleas of not guilty with an attorney
        Pleas of not guilty without an attorney
        First appearances or Guilty pleas

* A case may be postponed to give you time to obtain representation by a private attorney or by a public defender (if you qualify) and prepare your defense. If you need a postponement, ask the court staff for assistance.

* If your case involves a dispute between you and another person, you may be required to participate in a discussion with a mediator to attempt to settle the dispute without going in front of the judge.