🚗  Parking & arrival

Plan to arrive at least 20–30 minutes before your scheduled time. Security lines can be long, especially on busy docket mornings.

Metered street parking is available on the streets surrounding the courthouse. Meters accept coins and credit/debit cards.

A public parking garage is available at Central Parking System, 510 W. 11th St (between San Antonio and Nueces Streets), about a one-minute walk from the courthouse entrance.

Capital Metro bus service runs nearby. Check capmetro.org for current routes and schedules.

🔐  Security screening

Everyone entering the courthouse goes through a security screening — metal detector and X-ray machine, similar to an airport.

Do not bring weapons, pocket knives, scissors, multi-tools, or any prohibited items. Confiscated items will not be returned.

Leave food and drinks at home or in your car when possible. Large bags may slow down the screening process.

Cell phones are permitted, but some courtrooms restrict their use once you are inside. Silence your phone before entering any courtroom.

If you have a medical device (pacemaker, insulin pump, etc.) or metal implants, let the officer know before going through the detector.

👔  What to wear

There is no strict formal dress code in Texas criminal courts, but how you present yourself makes an impression.

Business casual is always a safe choice — slacks or dress pants, a collared shirt or blouse. A suit is appropriate if you have one.

Avoid athletic wear, shorts, sleeveless shirts, and anything with offensive graphics or slogans.

Clean, neat, and conservative goes a long way. Think “job interview” rather than “courtroom drama.”

Your attorney will advise you specifically about what to wear based on the nature of your case and the judge assigned.

📋  What happens in court

Criminal dockets in Travis County typically begin in the morning. Your case is one of many scheduled that day — some mornings have dozens of cases on the docket.

When you arrive, check in with your attorney or the court staff as directed. Your attorney will look for you near the courtroom entrance or in the hallway.

Most initial appearances and routine settings (resets, announcements, discovery updates) are brief. You may wait longer than the actual time before the judge.

Your attorney will speak with the prosecutor and may update you on negotiations or next steps before or after appearing before the judge.

A “reset” simply means the case is continued to a future date — this is extremely common and does not indicate anything negative about your case.

Travis County uses Odyssey (a case management system) for scheduling. Bring the case number your attorney gave you in case you need to look up your courtroom.

🤵  Your presence in court

Whether you need to personally appear in court depends on the stage of your case and the specific proceeding scheduled.

Your attorney will tell you in advance whether your presence is required. Do not assume — confirm with your legal team before every court date.

When your attorney does require your presence, be on time and wait near the designated courtroom until you are called.

Your attorney speaks on your behalf in most hearings. Unless the judge or your attorney instructs you to speak, remain quiet and attentive.

Your attorney’s specific instructions for your case and your court date always control — this guide is general background information only.