How should I prepare for a court hearing?

you have the burden of proof that your cousin was harassing your family. you must prove the charge 'beyond a reasonable doubt'. this is a difficult standard to reach. what was stated in the text messages ? you should speak with an attorney to determine if the messages are 'harassment'. as for your family, you should call the police if you are threatened. ed dimon, esq.        the key to a successful prosecution is proving the elemets of the offense. you will not be successful if the case is 'your word against the word of your cousin'. you will need an attorney. ed dimon, esq.