Court Conduct and Attire
Conduct
At your court appearance, you are expected to act appropriately and follow the rules.
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Defendants are required to be respectful of the Judge, court staff, attorneys, and litigants.
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When speaking to the Judge, you will address him as Your Honor or Judge and speak clearly.
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Cell phones and other electronic devices are strictly prohibited unless permission has been granted by the Judge for a specific purpose.
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Vulgar and Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated, and security staff may remove a person from the courtroom if they are deterring court proceedings.
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The Judge may also hold violators in contempt of court.
(Section 21.001 and 21.002, Government Code)
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Cell phones should be turned off.
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No photography, video recording, audio recording, or digital recording of proceedings without the express written consent of the Court.
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No food, beverages, gum, smoking, vaping, or illegal narcotics allowed in the courtroom.
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No propping up of feet, sitting on tables, leaning back in chairs, or other disrespectful behavior.
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No loud noises.
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No vulgar or inappropriate gestures.
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No weapons except for those persons exempt under Texas Penal Code 46.15.
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Appropriate courtroom attire is required. Attorneys should be in suits. Litigants should be in appropriate attire. Things specifically not allowed are: shorts or short skirts/dresses; tank tops; cutoffs; clothing that exposes the bare shoulder, midsection, underwear, or feet; hats except those worn for religious purposes; clothing with vulgar or offensive slogans and/or images; clothing that is transparent or sheer and exposes underwear or skin beneath.
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The Court retains the exclusive right to decide whether or not a person is in violation of any of the above.
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Consent to Search
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There is no requirement of probable cause to search any person or property in the courtroom. Upon entering the building, all persons consent to a search of their persons and all their property in their possession.
While Court is in Session
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There shall not be:
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Any weapons allowed.
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Any inappropriate gestures.
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Any use of alcohol.
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Any smoking.
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Any load or disruptive noises
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Any use of electronic devices.
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Any chewing of gum, eating of food or drinking beverages.
The Court may enforce any additional restrictions as needed to ensure court proceedings are not hindered.