General Information for Attending Court

Court proceedings are generally open to the public. Certain civil matters involving children and all juvenile proceedings are not open to the public. The following information is provided if you plan to attend court as a party, a witness, a juror or because you are interested:

 

Cell Phones

You may bring your cell phone into the St. Tammany Parish Justice Center or the Washington Parish Courthouse but you will have to turn it completely off when you enter a courtroom. If you use your cell phone in the courtroom to text, check messages, take photos, record or any other activity, you could be fined and/or your cell phone may be taken from you.

Children

Children should not be brought to the courthouses if at all possible. It is very difficult for children to remain seated and quiet while attending courtroom proceedings.

Court Attire

Dress in court attire. Courtroom attire means clothing that is respectful to both the court and all persons attending court. Courtroom attire includes long pants, a skirt or dress, shoes and or an appropriate shirt without slogans or advertisements. Do not wear shower shoes, shorts or hats. Be aware that security requires you to remove your belt when coming into the courthouse through the security area.

Food and Drink

You may bring food or drink into the St. Tammany Parish Justice Center or the Washington Parish Courthouse. However, you cannot bring food and drink into the courtrooms. Vending machines are located on the 1st floor at the north end of the building (Covington) and on the 1st floor across from the Clerk’s Office (Franklinton). You can also use the vending machines in the 3rd floor Jury Pool Room (Covington) but only if there are no jurors in the room.

Parking

St. Tammany:

Free Parking is located across the street from the St. Tammany Justice Center in a multi-level garage and adjacent lot on Jefferson Street.

Washington:

Free parking is located on the surrounding streets.