WILMINGTON -- If your phone rings in some courtrooms you may have it taken away -- forever. Gail Graham's phone rang in New Hanover County Judge Hockenbury's courtroom Monday. Hockenbury took her phone away for a day. He says it's a rule in his courtroom and says some judges take ringing cell phones away and give them to charity. Graham says the rules aren't fair. "I understand that it can be an interruption," Graham said. But we have to realize that we are living in a society where cell phones are essential." The courtroom does have a sign posted near the security checkpoint saying cell phones need to be turned off in the courtroom. The bailiff also makes an announcement before court starts.