Let’s be honest, half of us aren’t even sure what to wear to the restaurant down the street that we’ve been to a dozen times. That anxiety skyrockets when clients new to the criminal process must go to court for the first time.
If you have the option, you simply want to look clean, put together, and appropriately dressed. Some clients opt for a full suit or military uniform, and while that’s fine, you do not necessarily need to be dressed like you’re going to church or a funeral to show the court that you’re taking your case seriously.
Frankly, there isn’t necessarily a right answer for what you should wear, just a couple wrong answers. Tank tops, graphic tees, sweatpants, or torn clothing—for any gender—aren’t suggested (assuming, of course, you have other clothes to choose from. Some people do not have that privilege, and that’s okay, too). If you are a documented gang member, your arraignment may not be the best time to rep your set’s colors. If you have a mural of gang tattoos on your arms that would put Michelangelo to shame, wear long sleeves. Courtroom deputies will usually ask you to remove your hats in the courtroom, so be prepared for that in advance. As far as accessories go, just make sure it’s not a weapon or contraband.
As the court process goes on, an experienced criminal defense attorney will help you prepare for every court hearing. While a less formal outfit may have been sufficient for your pretrial hearings, it may be time to suit up when you get to trial or sentencing. A good attorney will explain how your appearance could affect jurors’, witnesses’, and the court’s impression of you, so you can plan accordingly.
Going to court for the first time is daunting, especially when you don’t understand how it works. Having a qualified, locally experienced criminal defense firm in your corner can help ease your anxiety by walking you through exactly what to expect, every step of the way.
If you or a loved one is new to the criminal process and wants to learn more about your options and what to expect, give us a call at (619) 295-3555 to set up your case evaluation today.
The contents of this article and blog are for meant for informational and marketing purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Viewing and/or use of the blog does not form an attorney-client relationship. No statements in this post are a guarantee, warranty, or prediction of a particular result in your case.