{"id":246,"date":"2016-03-06T12:51:07","date_gmt":"2016-03-06T07:51:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rushtonlawnashville.com\/?p=246"},"modified":"2019-08-11T23:46:02","modified_gmt":"2019-08-11T18:46:02","slug":"cell-phone-related-contempt","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rushtonlawnashville.com\/?p=246","title":{"rendered":"Cell Phone-Related Contempt of Court"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"cellYou\u00a0thought<\/em> you put your cell phone on silent – but then it happens. \u00a0RING! RING! \u00a0In a movie theater, this error would garner you a lot of dirty looks, at least. \u00a0But, in court, a ringing cell phone could mean contempt of court with “state-sponsored accommodations” for the evening or a monetary fine.<\/p>\n

But how do you know if you can even use (that includes texting) a silenced phone while in the courtroom?<\/p>\n

Before the docket is called, the Bailiff (the court officer) will advise those entering the courtroom if they are properly dressed (hats or sunglasses removed, low hanging pants held up, etc.) \u00a0The Bailiff may, depending on the court’s rules, may also advise you to end your call or turn off your cell phone. \u00a0Or, there may be a sign prominently displayed on the courtroom door.<\/p>\n

In Circuit Court for Davidson County, Tennessee, the local court rules are also posted\u00a0online<\/a>. \u00a0These rules require “noise generating devices” to be turned off in court or during the taking of a deposition. \u00a0The Davidson County General Sessions Court doesn’t have this prohibition – yet.<\/p>\n

It is always a good idea to check local rules and follow any instructions of the Bailiff or posted signs. \u00a0If you do not, it could\u00a0be considered “criminal contempt” which is punishable by jail time or a fine. \u00a0Yes, you could spend some time in jail for not turning off your phone. \u00a0That’s a far steeper fine than just dirty looks.<\/p>\n

When in court, play it safe and turn off your phone. \u00a0A few missed calls or texts will be worth it. \u00a0After all, you planned to be in court only a few hours…. not overnight.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

You\u00a0thought you put your cell phone on silent – but then it happens. \u00a0RING! RING! \u00a0In a movie theater, this error would garner you a lot of dirty looks, at least. \u00a0But, in court, a ringing cell phone could mean … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[113,116,111,112,115,117,114],"class_list":["post-246","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-litigation","tag-cell-phone-prohibited-in-tennessee-court","tag-cell-phones-in-court","tag-cellular-phone-contempt-of-court","tag-dont-bring-phone-to-court","tag-no-cell-phones-in-wilson-court","tag-violation-of-court-order-cell-phones","tag-wilson-county-court-cell-phones-prohibition"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t