Going To Court? When Your Appearance Counts

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If you are scheduled to appear before a judge for a criminal manner, your appearance may be the last thing on your mind. Being charged with a crime is a serious manner and being too stressed to think of much else is understandable, but you can count on your defense attorney to represent you successfully. Your appearance, however, does matter, since it demonstrates your respect for the justice system in general, for the law and for the judge that day. Even if it doesn't seem fair, the way you look could end up influencing the way your day in court could go. Read on to learn more about dressing for a successful day in court.

Know the Rules

Some courtrooms and judges have very specific rules about what to wear and what not to wear in the courtroom, so quiz your attorney to get the low-down before the big day. If you show up dressed inappropriately, it will be too late to change and you may cause yourself quite a problem. For security reasons, most courthouses don't allow headwear of any type except for religious reasons. You should also carefully reconsider any clothing with offensive words or images since you likely won't even make it past the metal detector wearing those items.

Good Choices for Women

  • Conservative dresses or skirts and blouses
  • Dress pants and nice blouses or tops
  • Jackets and cardigans.

Poor Choices for Women

  • Anything revealing, low cut, too short or too tight.
  • Worn out jeans (dressier trouser type jeans in a dark wash are okay).
  • Shorts
  • Anything not pressed, dirty, stained or with holes.
  • Anything see-through
  • Flip flops
  • Pajamas
  • Workout attire
  • Heavy perfume

Good Choices for Men

  • Dress pants or khaki pants with a dress shirt or collared polo shirt.
  • Jacket (with or without a tie; avoid wearing a tie with a short sleeved shirt).
  • Shirts should be tucked into pants in most cases and a belt should be added.

Poor Choices for Men

  • Shorts
  • Graphic tees
  • Tank tops
  • Faded jeans
  • Baggy pants
  • Athletic wear
  • Sandals
  • Heavy cologne

The overall point to keep in mind is that your appearance should be respectful, neat and clean. You don't need to buy an expensive suit or outfit; just make some good choices and stay on the conservative side when in doubt. Together with the skills of your attorney, you can make your days before the judge impressive and successful. Talk with an attorney like those at Cooper & Bayless PA for more information.

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Introduction To Legal Defense: Criminal Defense Options

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