It may be tempting to try to talk to an inmate in the courtroom, especially if the only contact you have had since their arrest has been through a computer monitor on visiting days. But if you attempt to have a conversation, even by mouthing the words from afar, the following could happen: You may be removed from the courtroom: Most courts announce before the proceedings begin that there will be no talking in the courtroom. If the judge, bailiff or jail guard sees you trying to communicate with an inmate, you can be removed from the courtroom. This will prevent you from witnessing the procedures. You could be jailed: In some places, including Clark County, Nevada, speaking to an inmate in court can get you charged with a crime. In the felony arraignment court of Clark County, signs are posted naming the criminal code that applies. The bailiff loudly announces before each session begins that if anyone tries to even mouth words, including “I love you,” to an inmate, that person will be arrested. Watching you get handcuffed will be extremely stressful for the inmate. Your inmate could be punished: Some jails punish the inmate if someone tries to communicate with them in the courtroom. When your inmate is brought in and turns to find you in the audience (they all do it), smile encouragingly to him or her but do not speak. Sometimes guards watch the audience and take down the names of the inmates who received communications. The inmate is then put on lock down for a day or two as punishment. Final thoughts: The very fact that you are there lets your inmate know you care about him or her. The reason you are there is to see what happens with the case and most likely report what you observed to friends and family members who could not attend the proceedings. If you are removed, you are not going to be able to serve that purpose. Keep quiet during court proceedings, and then in your next letter, tell your inmate everything you wanted to say that day.