Can You Attend a Court Hearing in Minnesota To Support a Friend or Family Member?
Going to court can be intimidating. Whether you’re filing a lawsuit, responding to one, or simply in court as a witness or observer, you probably have a lot of questions about what to expect.
Here’s some guidance from our team of experienced attorneys to help you figure out whether you’re allowed to attend court hearings in Minnesota. In this post, we’ll walk through the basics of Minnesota court procedures, including attendance rules and what happens if you’re late.
What Are Hearings or Trials in Minnesota?
Minnesota courts handle everything from traffic tickets to complex criminal cases. Each case is unique, but there are certain things that you can expect in every case.
Court hearings in Minnesota can be civil or criminal in nature. In a civil lawsuit, one party brings the lawsuit against another. They seek financial remedies or other action from the court (such as an order prohibiting certain conduct).
In a criminal case, the government brings charges against an individual accused of a crime. That person stands to lose their freedom or be required to pay fines—or both.
Common types of court proceedings include:
- Arraignments: In criminal matters, this is when charges are formally presented and the defendant enters a plea.
- Pre-trial hearings: In both criminal and civil matters, pre-trial hearings are when parties make pre-trial motions or when evidence is reviewed (in “evidentiary hearings”).
- Trials: These can be held either before a jury or a judge (when in front of a judge, it’s called a “bench trial”). For details, read our article on trials and sentencing.
- Sentencing hearings: These happen in criminal matters. If someone is convicted, a sentencing hearing is where penalties are decided.
Who Can Attend Court Hearings?
Most court proceedings in Minnesota are “open”—as in, open to the public. This means anyone can observe as long as they are respectful and do not interfere, and as long as there is room in the courtroom.
Most proceedings are open because our legal system is built on principles of transparency and justice. A publicly accessible legal system helps to protect these principles.
However, certain court proceedings are closed to protect privacy or safety. They include:
- Juvenile court hearings
- Certain family law cases (such as child protection)
- Hearings involving sensitive information, such as allegations of sexual assault
Not sure whether the hearing you want to attend is open or closed? You can ask your lawyer or call the court ahead of time to find out.
What Happens During Court in Minnesota?
No matter which court proceeding you’re attending, things typically happen in a set order. Here’s the general court process you might encounter in Minnesota:
- Check-in: Arrive early to go through metal detectors, find your courtroom and check in with court staff.
- Call to order: Inside the courtroom, the court officer or bailiff announces the case. When the judge or referee enters the courtroom, someone will likely say, “All rise.” Rise when this is said and remain standing until the judge is seated.
- Opening remarks: The judge may explain what the hearing will cover and provide specific direction for what to do and what not to do.
- Presentation of arguments and evidence: Lawyers or parties present their arguments to the judge or jury, advocating for their clients. If you speak to the judge, address them as “Your Honor,” and speak loudly and clearly. Remember that only one person should speak at a time. Do not speak over someone else, especially the judge.
- Judge’s decision: This may happen immediately or much later, depending on the type of hearing. It’s common to leave the courtroom and then to receive the judge’s decision in writing within 30 days.
Understanding the general court process can help you feel more comfortable with what’s going to happen. Being prepared can also help put you at ease. Read our tips for preparing for your first court proceeding.
You’ll also need to follow the rules when you’re in court. Dress appropriately and avoid noisy, distracting or disrespectful behaviors in the courtroom. Do not bring food or drink (other than water) into the courtroom. Don’t chew gum, fall asleep, take pictures or wear headphones.
A Note About Remote Hearings in Minnesota
Since the pandemic, many Minnesota courts have adopted virtual hearings. Participants attend via Zoom or telephone conference calls. For security and enforcement of court standards, the court may disable some features, including the chat, screenshare and emoticons.
If you’re attending a hearing online, find a quiet space, use your full name when joining the meeting, and keep your camera on unless instructed to do otherwise. Make sure your Wi-Fi signal is strong. If you don’t have access to the internet, let your lawyer know.
What Should You Do if You’re Late to Court?
Things don’t always go perfectly. Road construction, childcare issues and unexpected life events can all make you run late. But showing up late to court is serious, and it can be potentially damaging to your case.
- Call the court: If you know that you’ll be late, call the court using the number on your court notice or summons. Then call your lawyer immediately and let them know you’re running late.
- Keep your documentation: If you were late because your car broke down or you experienced a medical emergency, keep the receipts and records. The judge may ask to see them.
If you miss your court hearing, call your lawyer right away and ask them to fill you in on what happened. In criminal matters, missing a hearing can have serious consequences. A bench warrant may be issued for your arrest, or a judge may enter a default judgment against you.
Going to Court? Get Legal Help
Even if you’re only attending a hearing to show your support, understanding your rights and responsibilities can be overwhelming. If you’re a party in a case—especially in criminal, family or civil litigation—having an attorney can make all the difference. Your attorney can give you the peace of mind to help you attend court with confidence.
At White & Associates, our skilled Minnesota lawyers can explain what to expect in court and advocate for you during trial. If you have questions, reach out to an experienced attorney who can walk you through your next steps. Call White & Associates at 763-241-0477 or contact us online for a free consultation.