Juvenile Clients - What else should I do while my case is pending?
  • Be on time for court hearings. If you are going to be late, call the Public Defender's Office and let someone know.
  • Dress nicely when you come to court. The judge will send you home to change if you are wearing shorts or a sleeveless shirt. Do not wear anything that advertises alcohol, drugs, or nudity. Your pants must be belted. Do not wear gang symbols or colors. Do not wear a hat in the courtroom. Parents should also dress appropriately.
  • Make a good impression. Call the judge "Sir," "Ma'am," or "Your Honor" during hearings.
  • Do not discuss your case with anyone other than your attorney, other members of the Public Defender's Office, or your Guardian ad Litem, if one has been appointed. This includes other juveniles in detention, police, friends, co-defendants, probation officers, parole officers, judges, and prosecutors. Anything you say to any of these people may be used against you. They can be called as witnesses even if they don't want to be witnesses.
  • Remember that all telephone calls made from the detention center and all personal visits at the detention center may be recorded.
  • Stay in school.
  • Do not send letters directly to the judge or the prosecutor or anyone else in the court system. Do not ask anyone else to write directly to those people. If you or a family member or friend has a letter for the judge or someone else in the court system, send it to your attorney. He/she will send it to the appropriate person if he/she thinks it will help your case.
  • If you are detained, make sure that your parents or guardians advise your school and do whatever is necessary to keep you from being disenrolled.
  • If you are released, follow all of your release conditions.

Show All Answers

1. What is a public defender?
2. How do I get a public defender?
3. What are some tips for working with my attorney?
4. Adult Clients - What else should I do while my case is pending?
5. Juvenile Clients - What else should I do while my case is pending?
6. Who makes decisions regarding my case?
7. What if I miss a hearing?
8. How do I contact the Public Defender's office?