Dress appropriately. You do not necessarily have to wear a suit, but it would be unwise to wear jeans and a t-shirt. You want to look like you are taking your case seriously. Tuck in your shirt. Do not wear any shirt with a slogan on it. Don't wear open toed shoes. Remove your hat. Respect the Court.

Make sure your cell phone is off and no talking: Few things get judges madder faster than when a cell phone goes off in court. Don’t get the judge mad at you and/or take your phone. Also, there should not be any talking between you and anyone else you bring with you to court while in session. Certain judges will make it very clear when you have gone too far and order the court officer to take your phone.

Leave your sharp things at home or in your car: You will have to go through a metal detector on your way into court. You will not be allowed to bring knives, scissors, fingernail clippers, or anything that looks like it could be used as a weapon. Think about what is on your key ring. As a general rule, if you wouldn't try to board an airplane with it don't try to bring it to court.

Don't bring food or gum into the courtroom: It is about respect. Even if there is no sign that says you can't chew gum (there is), you don't want to make the judge mad and draw attention to yourself. Also, do not drink alcohol the night before or day of court. If any court officer, judge, or staff smells the odor of alcohol on your breath they may believe you to be under the influence and you could be held in contempt.

Arrive on time: It should go without saying, but unfortunately, for some it does not. You should plan to arrive at least 30 minutes earlier than your scheduled court date time. That way, if something happens you have built yourself a cushion. You are trying to defend yourself against a serious criminal charge, and you don't want to have to explain or justify tardiness before and in addition to your DUI, assault, possession charge, etc. If you have never been to the court before then you should know that traffic in your area is unpredictable and you need take into account any delays. Find out where to park ahead of time. Plan to allow yourself extra time to get through security metal detector checkpoints and onto the elevators. Plot out the bus routes and times. Make sure you have a reliable friend or relative taking you if needed. Make sure you have gas in the car. In short, plan ahead and make sure you are not the one who walks into court late.

If possible, leave babies and children at home: Some judges will not permit babies or young children in their courtrooms. Others will, but will ask you to remove them if they are being rowdy or crying. If you are the sole adult who has brought kids to court, this could put you in an extremely awkward situation because you may be asked to step out of the courtroom and remove the child(ren). You can't just leave small kids to wander the halls of a criminal court. So make arrangements for the child(ren) if possible . If it is not possible, you should bring the child(ren) rather than just skipping the court date.

If your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled do not drive to court: Sometimes, by the time a DUI defendant gets to his or her court date the drivers license or driving privilege has already been suspended or restricted. If this is you and you drive to court, you should be aware that; 1) you are probably committing a new crime; and 2) police officers know that irresponsible people drive to court on suspended licenses and watch court parking lots for suspended drivers; and 3) if you get caught, in addition to being charged with the crime of driving on a suspended license, your pending DUI case might also be negatively affected.