How to Dress for Criminal Court Proceedings
- By Christine Harrell
- Published 07/6/2011
- Legal
- Unrated
When facing criminal charges, many defendants must go to court for the first time. They do not know the protocol or requirements for acceptable dress or behavior. Oftentimes their lawyers will advise them on where to go, what to wear, when to speak and how to address the judge, bailiff and attorneys in the courtroom.
Attire
Different courthouses and jurisdictions have varying requirements for what to wear to court. While some courts have a specific dress code, for others it is just common protocol that a person would not know unless they had been in the environment on a prior occasion. Looking neat and clean is always recommended. Those wearing dirty clothes and dressing too casually are assumed by the judge and jury to take the matter of breaking the law casually as well. This applies to both witnesses and defendants. For example, those facing drug charges may make a poor impression on the judge or jury by wearing blue jeans and a T-shirt. Bare feet and flip-flops are not allowed in court, and hats must be removed indoors. Those wearing a suit and tie or a dress and high-heels look professional, presentable and respectful. If the man does not own a suit, a shirt and tie will do. Women should wear a skirt and blouse or dress when possible. If not, a pantsuit will do.
Security
Most courthouses have security checkpoints for entry. A list of what is and is not allowed on the premises is usually posted by the entrance before individuals reach the metal detectors or x-ray machines. Items not allowed on the premises include illegal substances, alcohol, weapons, ammunition, cutlery,
explosives, computers and cell phones. Security personnel in some jurisdictions may also disallow umbrellas and anything representing gangs or gang colors,
Prisoners
Some defendants may be brought into court wearing prison garb if they are in custody at the time of their appearance. If the person has an attorney, arrangements may be made with the jail warden to allow the prisoner to change into other clothes for the hearing or trial. The jail or prison will not provide clothing for the defendant, but will allow the attorney or family members to do so.
Communication
Before a court session begins, people may talk quietly among themselves. Once the bailiff announces the presence of the judge, everyone in the room should stop talking and immediately stand. Once the judge is seated, everyone in the room may sit. At this point, no one should speak unless spoke to, unless they are an attorney, clerk or judge. The judge should be addressed as Your Honor or sir. The attorneys should be addressed as sir or ma'am. If the judge or a bailiff requests someone to do something, they should comply immediately and courteously without arguing. If they do not, they may be found in contempt of court. When someone is placed under oath, they are sworn to tell the truth. Lying under oath is considered perjury, and someone can be convicted if it is discovered.
Leaving Court
When the proceeding is over, the next step depends on whether the defendant is found guilty of a criminal offense or not. If convicted of a criminal offense, the defendant may be taken directly to jail. The defendant's attorney will let the individual know what to do, where to go and whether any paperwork needs to be handled or fees paid.
Attire
Different courthouses and jurisdictions have varying requirements for what to wear to court. While some courts have a specific dress code, for others it is just common protocol that a person would not know unless they had been in the environment on a prior occasion. Looking neat and clean is always recommended. Those wearing dirty clothes and dressing too casually are assumed by the judge and jury to take the matter of breaking the law casually as well. This applies to both witnesses and defendants. For example, those facing drug charges may make a poor impression on the judge or jury by wearing blue jeans and a T-shirt. Bare feet and flip-flops are not allowed in court, and hats must be removed indoors. Those wearing a suit and tie or a dress and high-heels look professional, presentable and respectful. If the man does not own a suit, a shirt and tie will do. Women should wear a skirt and blouse or dress when possible. If not, a pantsuit will do.
Security
Most courthouses have security checkpoints for entry. A list of what is and is not allowed on the premises is usually posted by the entrance before individuals reach the metal detectors or x-ray machines. Items not allowed on the premises include illegal substances, alcohol, weapons, ammunition, cutlery,
Prisoners
Some defendants may be brought into court wearing prison garb if they are in custody at the time of their appearance. If the person has an attorney, arrangements may be made with the jail warden to allow the prisoner to change into other clothes for the hearing or trial. The jail or prison will not provide clothing for the defendant, but will allow the attorney or family members to do so.
Communication
Before a court session begins, people may talk quietly among themselves. Once the bailiff announces the presence of the judge, everyone in the room should stop talking and immediately stand. Once the judge is seated, everyone in the room may sit. At this point, no one should speak unless spoke to, unless they are an attorney, clerk or judge. The judge should be addressed as Your Honor or sir. The attorneys should be addressed as sir or ma'am. If the judge or a bailiff requests someone to do something, they should comply immediately and courteously without arguing. If they do not, they may be found in contempt of court. When someone is placed under oath, they are sworn to tell the truth. Lying under oath is considered perjury, and someone can be convicted if it is discovered.
Leaving Court
When the proceeding is over, the next step depends on whether the defendant is found guilty of a criminal offense or not. If convicted of a criminal offense, the defendant may be taken directly to jail. The defendant's attorney will let the individual know what to do, where to go and whether any paperwork needs to be handled or fees paid.
Christine Harrell
Author is a freelance copywriter. For more information about drug charges, please visit http://www.barrytaylorlaw.com/.
View all articles by Christine Harrell