Prepare yourself and your child for his or her appointment with any officer of the court as though you were making an appeal to the Supreme Court. It is important to be on time, to be appropriately dressed and to make a good impression. Remember that sentencing is at the complete discretion of the judge, who is, in turn, influenced by the probation officer's report. If the judge is so moved by your child's insolence, and not at all impressed with his innocence, trust me on this one, he will throw the book at him. Before your child’s formal appearance in court, listen to all of the instructions and address your questions to your public defender or private attorney.

7 GOLDEN COURTROOM RULES

1. This is not a dress rehearsal. Dress simply and conservatively; nothing extravagant or flashy. No flip-flops, thongs or slippers.
2. Hair should be combed neatly and your fingernails cropped short.
3. Don't fidget and lose the gum.
4. Sit up straight, fold your hands in your lap and always appear attentive.
5. Never appear defiant or hostile.
6. Look at the adult officer(s) of the court in the eye, paying full and undivided attention to every word. No pagers, cd players or cell phones are allowed.
7. Every response to every question starts with “sir, “ma'am” or “your honor,” unless you don't understand a point or a question. In this case the proper response is “sir” (or “ma'am”), “I'm sorry, I don't understand that question. Would you please explain it to me?” Following the explanation, you say, “thank you sir” or “ma'am.

There are some other crucial issues that stop our kids from making a good impression on officers of the court. So let's get gender specific with seven more tenets for both boys and girls.