Trial Procedures and Court Decorum

General Procedure

All persons are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty. You have a right to have a trial before a jury or the court where the State must prove you guilty “beyond a reasonable doubt” of the offense with which you are charged. If you feel you are not guilty of the offense, you will be given a date to appear before the Judge for an arraignment, at which time the Judge will set a date and time for your trial. Call the court clerk at (903) 737-4107 for an arraignment date.

Court Decorum

Attire

All persons entering the courtroom shall be dressed in clean, neat, and appropriate attire that shows dignity and respect for the Court. Unacceptable attire includes but is not limited to:

  • Hats, caps, head rags, shorts, cut-offs, baggy pants, muscle shirts, tube tops, halter tops, and flip-flop style shoes
  • Clothing with offensive, vulgar, racist, sexist, obscene, or suggestive words, slogans, depictions, or pictures, including grotesque creatures
  • Clothing that is dirty, torn, or ragged
  • Clothing that is too short, low-cut, or tight

Rules of Conduct

The following rules apply to all parties entering the courtroom:

  • You are subject to search. Other than law enforcement personnel, weapons are prohibited in the courtroom and court building
  • No smoking or use of tobacco products on city premises
  • No food or drinks are allowed in courtroom
  • All cell phones and pagers must be turned off while in courtroom
  • No recording devices are allowed without judicial approval
  • Do not interrupt or talk at the same time as the judge, counsels, witnesses, or other court personnel
  • Do not argue with the Judge
  • Do not engage in conversation with other parties during the court hearing unless it is with your legal counsel or directed by the Judge
  • No gestures, facial expressions, or sounds indicating approval or disapproval
  • Do not read newspapers, magazines, books, etc. in the courtroom during proceedings
  • Do not leave the courtroom without the permission of the Judge or bailiff
  • Do not approach the Judge’s bench or court clerk without permission