How to Dress for Court
Being arrested for a crime can be intimidating enough but knowing the appropriate way to appear in court can add additional stress, especially for first time offenders. At Knox Law Center, we provide high quality legal defense for men and women accused of crimes in the Charlotte, North Carolina area. Do you have an upcoming court appearance, but aren’t sure what to wear? Here are some helpful tips and tricks that will help you make a great first impression.
Pay Attention to the Regulations or Restrictions Set by the Court
It’s important to know that specific restrictions or dress codes are often imposed by individual courts. Be sure to do your research ahead of time and find out whether the courtroom you will be appearing at will have set standards or guidelines to abide by. Ignoring this set of rules could reflect poorly, and it’s important that you show the judge and/or jury that you respect the proceedings.
What Clothing Should Be Avoided
Of course, there are certain articles of clothing that should be avoided across the board. Examples are not limited to, but most likely include the following:
- Flip Flops
- Halter Tops and Tube Tops
- Midriffs and Cropped Shirts
- Torn or Ripped Denim
- Shorts
- Hats
- Baggy Pants
- Clothes with Inappropriate Images or Text
- Clothing That Is Associated with Gang Activity or Hate Groups
- See Through Clothing
- Short Skirts
If you are unsure whether the clothing you plan to wear falls into one or more of the above categories, consult your legal defense team.
Tips for Overall Appearance
Keep in mind that simply meeting the minimum standard by avoiding restricted clothing items shouldn’t be the goal. You want to appear in your best form, from the top of your head to the bottom of your feet. It is the overall style and level of cleanliness that will set the stage for the initial impression given to the court. Hygiene is also important so for best results shower the morning before, use underarm deodorant, brush your teeth and ensure that you look and feel your best. Also, try to avoid unnatural or overtly wild hairstyles by keeping your hair neatly brushed and kept out of your face. Don’t dress too casually, as if you’re attending a sporting event or lounging around your house on the weekend. However, overdressing can backfire as well, so stay away from formal dresses or a full tuxedo. It’s best to aim for business attire, so dress like you would for a job interview or attending church, synagogue or a similar religious institution.
Do You Need Help Preparing for Your Court Case? Call Knox Law Center Today
Have you been searching for reliable legal representation following a recent arrest? Being accused of a serious crime can be scary and incredible frustrating. Let the experts at Knox Law Center help defend your rights in court. Edward Knox has proudly served residents of North Carolina for decades, as an criminal defense attorney, Mayor of Charlotte and a State Senator. This unique background gives Mr. Knox and his team an important perspective of the legal system, and they are ready to help you get quality results. Contact Knox Law Center today for more information or to schedule an appointment for your first consultation.
