• Proper attire is required of all persons appearing in Court. Dress appropriately:

  • Clothes are to be reasonably clean and not torn or ripped. 

  • Shirts, neatly tucked-in, and shoes are required.

  • No shorts, miniskirts, tank tops, halter-tops, sleeveless T-shirts, or flip-flops.

  • T-shirts are not to contain inappropriate language or images.

  • Midriffs and stomachs are to be covered at all times.

  • Dress should be modest whether sitting or standing.

  • Headwear is permitted only for cases of recognized medical, cultural, or religious reasons.

  • Attorneys are expected to dress in traditional attire as officers of the Court.

• No weapons. Do not enter the building with any weapons or what could be utilized as weapons. This includes pocketknives, mace, firearms, scissors, etc. To maintain safety and security of the building, all items will be searched as you enter the Courthouse Building.

• No cell phones. Portable Electronic Devices such as Cell phones or similar devices, electronic calendars, e-book readers, and “smart” watches are not allowed in the courtroom. Please leave these items in your vehicle.

• No food or drink. You may NOT take any food or drink into a courtroom with you.

• Please arrive early. As you enter the building, please remove all loose items from your pockets and follow procedures as directed by the deputy sheriff(s) staffing the security checkpoint. Only bring items related to your courthouse transactions. This makes entry into the building faster and the screening process more efficient.

• Silence is required while Court is in session.

  • Once you are in the courtroom and court has started, please remain seated and quiet until your case is called.

  • The reading of newspapers and sleeping are forbidden while court is in session.

    • The shuffling of papers and other items is distracting to court proceedings.

  • If you have a child with you that starts to cry or becomes disruptive, please take them out of the courtroom.

  • If you are standing in the hallway outside the courtroom, please conduct yourself in a quiet and orderly manner.

  • Any disruption will be cause for dismissal.

 The foregoing is subject to modification at the Court’s discretion.

Additional Links

• § 18.2-283.1. Carrying weapon into courthouse (virginia.gov)

• Court Security | Fauquier County, VA