1. LEAVE TIME FOR SECURITY
You will be asked to go through security, so be sure to come well in
advance of your court time in case there is a back up at the check in station.
2. PLAN AHEAD FOR SECURITY
Security does not allow any weapons, knives,
razor blades, powders, camera or camera phones,
liquids, mace, pepper spray, corkscrews, scissors, tools, nails, radios,
tape recorders, rolled coins, knitting needles, heavy chain items or heavy
metallic belts, handcuff keys, markers, aerosol spray cans or glass items.
Some counties have special rules on cell phones and electronic devices. (See below.) Remove these items before coming into the
courthouse.
***SPECIAL ALERT ON CELL PHONES AND ELECTRONIC DEVICES***
As of April 15, 2013, you are no longer allowed to bring any cell phone or electronic communication devices into Cook County courthouses except for the Richard J. Daley Center. There are other exceptions for attorneys, judges, government employees and parties to orders of protection who are required to carry GPS devices. Anyone violating this ban can be held in contempt of court. For more information, see http://www.cookcountycourt.org/HOME/CellPhoneElectronicDeviceBan.aspx. DuPage County Circuit Court already bans bringing in camera phones or recording devices. (See: http://www.dupageco.org/Courts/2381/.) Lake County allows you to bring in cell phones but not to use them in the courtroom. (See: http://19thcircuitcourt.state.il.us/findit/Pages/lc_security.aspx.)
3. YOU MUST APPEAR
In criminal, DUI and some
traffic cases, court appearances are mandatory.
If you fail to show up, a warrant will almost certainly be issued for
your arrest.
4. BE ON TIME
Often an advantage to
having a private attorney is that your case gets called first.
If you are not there, it can send a signal to
the judge that these proceedings are not important to you.
5. DRESS APPROPRIATELY
Appearances do
matter. You should dress respectfully
like you would to go to church on Sunday or to a formal dinner.
Coming in dressed like you’re working in your
garage sends a message that you don’t care.
Avoid wearing shorts, sweat shirts or pants, clothing associated with
gangs or clothing that is too suggestive.
One Lake County woman found herself jailed for contempt of court because
she wore a tee-shirt that referred to the female anatomy, and she was only
there to give a friend a ride! http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=378498
6. TURN OFF CELL PHONES
Cell phones and pagers
must be turned off inside the courtroom.
7. NO TALKING
No speaking in the courtroom when the judge is on the bench.
8. NO FOOD
Do not bring food or beverages in the courtroom. Don’t chew gum.
9. CHECK FOR CHILD CARE IF NEEDED
Some courthouses provided children’s advocacy rooms for those who have
to bring their children to court. For
more information, see http://www.cookcountyclerkofcourt.org/?section=SERVRESPage