If you are going to a criminal court, you should wear professional attire to demonstrate that you take the court seriously. That often means below-the-knee skirts or pantsuits for women, and business attire or a long-sleeved dress shirt for men. Even the colors you choose matter.
Appearing in any court can be a scary and intimidating experience, regardless of why you are there. You want to make a good impression, not only on the judge but also on the jury. The way you dress can make a big difference. A criminal defense attorney in Philadelphia can help you dress appropriately for court.
What Is a Criminal Court?
A criminal court is a place where charges are brought against a defendant by prosecutors representing the local, state, or federal government. Criminal courts are typically presided over by a judge or magistrate who will hear arguments and motions from both sides, set bail, issue instructions to the jury, sentence the defendant, or dismiss the case.
This is a professional setting, and you may face dire legal consequences that could impact you for the rest of your life. How you present yourself in court can influence your case, and this starts with your clothing.
For a free legal consultation, call 215.515.3360
Do Criminal Courts Have Dress Codes?
Some courts in the United States prohibit certain kinds of dress. You may even see some courts expressly state that you should dress appropriately if you plan on entering the courtroom. Again, this is a professional setting, making it important that you dress for the occasion. There is a certain etiquette that courts typically expect everyone to follow. This includes criminal defendants, lawyers, and spectators.
If you want to know if a court has a dress code, we recommend consulting with your lawyer or visiting the courthouse website.
What Should Men Wear to Criminal Court?
You should dress to show that you take the charges against you seriously. We highly recommend wearing a business suit if you have one. If you don’t, wear a long-sleeved dress shirt and slacks. Your clothes should be clean and neat, and you should avoid wearing any jewelry items except for a watch or your wedding ring.
The way you present yourself is how the judge or jury will initially see you. Being appropriately dressed is part of showing the court respect.
What Should Women Wear to Criminal Court?
You should dress professionally for court. Women often wear knee-length skirts, solid-color blouses, plain sweaters, dress shoes, and pantsuits. We also urge you to avoid low-cut blouses, short skirts, tight clothing, distractive patterns, and too many accessories.
You want to make a good impression and let the judge know that you are taking your day in court seriously
Is There Anything Else Men and Women Should Avoid Wearing in Criminal Court?
There are several other articles of clothing and accessories that are inappropriate or unprofessional to wear in a courtroom. Clothing items and accessories both men and women should avoid include:
- Blue jeans (unless dark colored and no holes)
- Undershirts
- Sneakers
- Flip flops or crocs
- Sunglasses
- Ripped or dirty clothes
- Shorts
- Stomach or backside
Again, if you are unsure about an item of clothing you are considering wearing in court, please consult with your criminal defense lawyer for advice.
What Colors Are Best to Wear to Criminal Court?
When it comes to colors, your best bet is to be conservative. Bright colors can be distracting, however, colors such as navy blue, black, white, brown, and grey are more neutral and demonstrate a more professional look appropriate for a courtroom.
You want to show the court that you take the charges against you seriously. You also want the jury to focus on the evidence and the arguments instead of being distracted by your appearance.
The goal is to show that you respect the court and that you are prepared. Listening to your attorney can go a long way. If your lawyer wouldn’t wear it to court, you probably shouldn’t wear it in court either.
What Happens If You Can’t Dress for a Hearing Because You Were Arrested?
It’s entirely possible that you may not be able to dress appropriately for court if the police arrest or detain you before a hearing. For arraignments and other pre-trial hearings, you would likely appear in court wearing a jail or prison uniform.
However, when it comes time for a jury trial in criminal court, your criminal defense attorney will make sure you dress in appropriate attire. We recommend arranging the delivery of professional attire to your defense lawyer by family or friends. Your lawyer will then provide the attire for you to dress in before your courtroom appearance.
Learn More About What to Wear to a Criminal Court Today
Dressing professionally is about respecting the court and demonstrating that you take the charges against you seriously. It’s about making an impression on the jury without saying a word. How you dress says a lot about you. The Law Offices of M.J. Snyder, LLC cares about how our clients present themselves in a court of law.
To learn more about what you should wear to a criminal court, or for a confidential consultation with a criminal defense attorney in Philadelphia to talk about your case, please do not hesitate to contact us today. We can provide legal advice and explain what to expect in a criminal trial.
