Guidelines
- Appropriate court attire is to be worn in the courtrooms. Tank tops, bare midriff shirts, shorts, hats and sunglasses are not appropriate. No clothing that illustrates profanity or inappropriate words or conduct will be allowed in the courtroom.
- Cellular phones may not be used in the courtroom. Please turn them off before entering the courtroom. If they make noise during court proceedings a sanction and contempt of court charge could be assessed by the judge.
- No gum, food, or drinks allowed in the courtroom.
- No profanity is allowed.
- No smoking inside the court building.
- No weapons are allowed in the courthouse.
- Silence in the courtrooms, except as otherwise directed and/or indicated by proper authority.
Arraignment
Your first court date on a misdemeanor criminal case is typically referred to as an arraignment. Your first court date on a felony or gross misdemeanor charge is referred to as a “first appearance” The purpose of an arraignment or first appearance is to:
- Advise you of your rights under the Nevada Constitution and the Constitution of the United States
- Inform you of the charge(s) against you
- Provide you with a copy of the complaint
- Enter a plea to the charge(s) if it is a misdemeanor case
- Set a date for your next court appearance, if applicable
Court-appointed Attorney
In some cases you may be eligible for a court-appointed attorney at no cost, if you cannot afford one. Not all cases and not all defendants qualify for a court-appointed attorney. The Judge will ask you questions about your financial situation to determine eligibility. You are required to file an affidavit under oath if you are requesting a court-appointed attorney.
Status Conference: Misdemeanor, Gross Misdemeanor or Felony
If you enter a not guilty plea at your arraignment or first appearance, your next court appearance is typically within the next four weeks for a Status Hearing. At the Status Hearing, the parties will advise the court of any resolutions, or if the matter needs scheduled for another hearing.
Prior to or on the day of the next hearing, you or you and your attorney will meet with the District Attorney’s Office to discuss resolution of your case; review claims and evidence; attempt to determine if the charge(s) should be dismissed, reduced, or whether you will change your plea to guilty; or, whether the parties will request a trial (misdemeanor offenses) or a preliminary hearing (gross misdemeanor or felony offenses). The outcome of this meeting will be addressed at the Status Hearing.
Appearing Remotely
In most cases, you must appear in court personally, and not electronically or by telephone. Parties/counsel desiring to appear by Zoom must file a written request with the Tahoe Justice Court. In cases where the judge has granted a motion to appear by simultaneous audio-visual equipment (Supreme Court Rules Part IX-A (A)(4)(1)), refer to the court’s Zoom instructions, below.
