Proper Dress and Etiquette for Court

I am constantly amazed at how some people dress when they go to court. Defendants charged with drug offenses show up in baggy t-shirts with pictures of Bob Marley smoking a joint. Some look like they got dressed to stand on a street corner selling cocaine, in football jerseys and baggy shorts and sporting gold chains and gang tattoos. One morning a young woman wore a tight pink t-shirt with sequins spelling “Spoiled Rich Girl.” An older woman wore a tube top that barely contained her surgically enhanced breasts.

When you’re charged with any crime, it’s not a good idea to go to court dressed like a street walker or pimp or drug dealer. The judge in your case has the power to send you to prison or give you probation, and impressions matter. You should dress like you are applying for a job that you really want – clean pressed shirt and slacks for men, shined shoes or boots, same for women or skirt or dress. Here, then, are a few rules for how to dress and act when you go to court.

No shorts

No tube or tank tops

No flip-flops

No t-shirts

No hats in courtroom

Cover tattoos

No gum

No tobacco or snuff

No flashy jewelry

Cell phones off

No grills

For more information, contact the Law Office of Richard Ellison, P.C. for a consultation.