Courtroom Etiquette
Arrive early. Please arrive at least fifteen minutes prior to the scheduled hearing so that you can be cleared by security on time.
All persons must be dressed appropriately in business-type clothing.
Bring your notice to appear (NTA) or hearing notice and any NTA for any family member, even if they are not scheduled to appear with you. If you and other family members received Notices to Appear (NTA) for the same date, you must ALL attend the hearing.
Food, beverages, and chewing gum are not permitted in the Courtrooms. Federal regulations prohibit the use of any recording devices in the hearing. The use of cameras, beepers, or cellular telephones during the hearing also is not permitted, and must be turned off.
Talking during someone else's hearing is not allowed in Court. All parties should remain quiet outside the courtrooms while other courts are in session. Please be courteous to others who also have hearings.
Parents with court hearings whose young children are not in proceedings should not bring their children to Court. Young children may need to wait outside of the Courtroom if they are not testifying at the hearing.
Even if you do not have a lawyer you must appear for your hearing. Click here for a list of Free Legal Service Providers.