How to Prepare for a Court Appearance: Superior Court of California, County of Kern


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Superior Court of California, County of Kern

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How to Prepare for a Court Appearance
A Guide to Representing Yourself in Court

You are scheduled to appear in court. You will be appearing in court without an attorney. You are not alone - every year more people are doing the same thing. The courts may seem complicated and confusing, but there are many resources to help you. This Web page provides general information that will help you to prepare for any kind of court appearance. Preparation ahead of time will help the judge to understand your case and to make a fair ruling.

What is appropriate in court?
When should I arrive at court?
Where should I park?
What about court security?
How do I find the correct courtroom?
What materials should I bring to the court appearance?
Do I need witnesses?
How long will I have to wait?
Phone numbers
Other helpful hints
Administrative Office of the Court Self-Help Site (Opens new window)

What is appropriate in court?
Court is a business type of environment. Dress as if you are going to a job interview. Be clean and neat. Shorts, tank tops and flip-flop sandals are not allowed. Chewing gum, food, drinks, tobacco, etc. is not allowed in the courtrooms.

When should I arrive at court?
You need to arrive at the courthouse at least 30 minutes before your scheduled court appearance. It is very important that you allow plenty of time to park and find your assigned courtroom. If you are not in the courtroom when your case is called, the judge may dismiss your case, make a decision without hearing your side of the story or issue a warrant for your arrest.

Where should I park?
Parking space is hard to find near the courthouses in downtown Bakersfield. Allow plenty of time to locate parking and to find the courtroom where your case is scheduled. A train runs adjacent to both downtown courthouses which may cause a delay.

Parking is available to the public at the following locations:

Parking structure at 1115 Truxtun Avenue - first floor only. Enter from N Street.
Parking lot behind 1215 Truxtun Avenue - north of the railroad tracks and behind Rabobank Arena. Enter from L Street. Please note - care should be taken to not park in the "jurors parking lot" south of the railroad tracks if you are not a juror.

Some of these spaces are designated for a limited time. Cars that are parked longer than the posted time limit will be ticketed.

Handicapped parking is available on the street in front of 1415 Truxtun Avenue. There are also handicapped spaces available in all parking lots.

What about court security?
It is illegal to bring weaponry into the courthouse. Law enforcement officers will scan your person with metal detectors as you enter the courthouse. Any metal object on your body must be removed and inspected, including belt buckles and steel-toed shoes.

How do I find the correct courtroom?
For most cases, court calendars are posted in the lobby of the courthouse. The Civil and Small Claims, Family Law, Probate and Criminal Calendars are also available online. If you need help in locating your name, ask for help at the court information booth. Once you are in a courtroom contact the Sheriff's Deputy (the bailiff) in the courtroom if you are not sure that you are in the correct courtroom, or if you need to leave briefly for any reason.

What materials should I bring to the court appearance?
Bring the following materials to your hearing/appearance:

Your case number.
Copies of all documents that you have filed with the courts so far. You will not be able to get these documents from the court immediately before your court appearance.
Documents that support what you want the judge to know about your case.

You should bring original documents and one copy if possible. The judge may ask to keep the copy for more careful review.

When organizing your documents, put your evidence together in logical order so that it is easy for the judge to understand your side of the story.

Do I need witnesses?
Witnesses are people who can support what you want the judge to know about your case. It helps your case if your witnesses have seen or heard what you want the judge to know.

How long will I have to wait?
That depends on how many people are scheduled to appear at the same time as you. The judge may not call the cases in the same order that they are listed on the calendar. Some cases will take less time, and they may be handled first. Depending on your case, you may need to plan on being in court all day.

Phone Numbers

Topic	Phone	Location
General Information	(661) 868-5393
Family Law Facilitator	(661) 868-4815	1215 Truxtun Ave. - Justice Bldg.
Family Court Services (Mediation)	(661) 868-4530	1215 Truxtun Ave. - Justice Bldg.
Small Claims Advisor	(661) 868-2532	1415 Truxtun Ave.
Traffic	(661) 868-2486	1215 Truxtun Ave. - Justice Bldg.
Guardianship / Probate	(661) 868-4885	1415 Truxtun Ave.
Kern County Law Library	(661) 868-5320	1415 Truxtun Ave.
Interpreter Services	(661) 868-2644
Special Services for a Disability	(661) 868-4957

Other helpful hints

The proper way to address the judge is "Your Honor".
Speak directly to the judge, not to the other party in the case.
If you need special services for a disability, please notify the courts ahead of time so that arrangements can be made.
Speak properly - don't use foul language.
Turn cell phones and pagers to "off" or vibrate mode.
Chewing gum, food, drinks, tobacco, etc. are not allowed in the courtrooms.

Superior Court of California, County of Kern court employees are prohibited from giving legal advice per section 24004 and 68082 of the Government Code. In addition, court employees may not give advice as to which legal forms to use or how to complete the forms.

Last Modified
7/11/2006

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