I try to advise my clients about the entire experience of attending court, especially cell phone rules.
A Florida woman was convicted of contempt when her cell phone rang in the courtroom. Lucky for her, the conviction was reversed on appeal. But you definitely don’t want to go down that road at all.
The area courts have differing policies about cell phones. It can be quite confusing at times. Here are the current cell phone rules, as I understand them:
Spotsylvania - No cell phones allowed in the courthouse, unless you are just going to the clerk’s office. Usually they will allow a cell phone (on silent) in that instance.
Fredericksburg - No cell phones allowed.
Stafford - Cell phones are allowed, but they must be on silent.
Note that Spotsylvania and Fredericksburg will not hold your phone for you at the security desk. You must return your phone to your vehicle.
If you are going to court for any reason, read the signs posted before entering to make sure you comply with all the rules. Nobody wants to be cited for contempt of court.