According to the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, people often form first impressions simply by considering how others dress. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) also states that clothing influences first impressions by communicating four signals: Social categories, cognitive states, status, and aesthetics. Although first impressions are crucial in many scenarios, they may be particularly important during criminal legal proceedings in New York. Among many other preparation steps, deciding what to wear to court as a defendant is a process that should not be neglected. An experienced criminal defense lawyer in New York may be able to help defendants prepare for their court appearances, and they often keenly understand the importance of dressing appropriately. To learn more about criminal defense preparation, consider contacting The Law Office of Benjamin Greenwald at (845) 567-4820.
New York Court Tips on What to Wear to Court as a Defendant
The New York Unified Court System shares several tips for defendants approaching court appearances. According to these guidelines, defendants should “dress nicely” and prioritize conservative or formal attire. One should remember that the courtroom is a highly formal setting, and the judge expects all defendants to be respectful.
New York specifically warns against sunglasses, torn clothing, and t-shirts with curse words. Anything that exposes too much skin will likely be inappropriate for court purposes. This might include plunging necklines or show too much leg with an extremely short skirt. It is also forbidden to wear hats in the courtroom. That said, New York courts do not expect defendants to purchase new clothing specifically for their appearances. Defendants who face federal charges may need to dress even more carefully, as federal courts are generally more formal than state courts.
Do I Have to Wear a Prison Jumpsuit to Court?
Generally speaking, defendants do not have to wear their prison jumpsuits to court. The Supreme Court has ruled that unless a defendant committed their alleged offense while incarcerated, they have the right to choose civilian clothes for their trials. An experienced defense attorney at The Law Office of Benjamin Greenwald can help incarcerated defendants access formal or business attire.
While many defendants fail to take advantage of this right, changing out of a prison jumpsuit could be a positive decision. When a jury sees someone in prison attire, they may form biased first impressions. This could result in a “prejudiced” or “tainted” jury. The court must presume the innocence of a defendant until prosecutors prove them guilty beyond reasonable doubt. Until prosecutors surpass this burden of proof, defendants should be able to present themselves in a dignified and respectful light.
Formal Clothing Can Still Be Comfortable
Defendants should prioritize clothing that is both formal and comfortable. Each day in court may last many hours. Tight or restrictive clothing could make these court sessions uncomfortable, especially during the summer. When formal clothing is too uncomfortable, it may add to the stress of the courtroom experience – destroying the potential psychological benefits of this attire. If a defendant begins to sweat in the courtroom, the jury may interpret this as a sign of guilt – even if the perspiration is solely caused by ill-fitting clothing. When choosing courtroom attire, defendants should select outfits that they can wear comfortably for many hours. Consider a well-tailored suit or a looser dress.
Wearing Formal Attire May Improve Your Confidence in Court
Court attire can affect not only the first impressions of others, but also the psychology of defendants. The “clothed cognition effect” occurs when clothing influences the thoughts and behaviors of the wearer – and it may help defendants feel more confident in the courtroom. According to the Berkeley Haas School of Business, this effect is partly caused by the rarity of formal attire in the modern world. Because the average person only wears a suit on rare occasions, this type of clothing can trigger hormonal and psychological changes. In other words, the simple act of donning business attire could help defendants mentally prepare for court.
Some studies suggest that people may perform creative and organizational tasks more effectively when wearing formal clothing. In addition, those wearing professional outfits often report feeling higher levels of self-esteem. Berkeley Haas states that self-perception is critical when approaching daunting tasks – and there are few tasks more daunting than a criminal trial. Greater confidence may allow defendants to participate in their own defense with greater efficacy. This might include testifying on their own behalf, communicating effectively with their counsel, and much more. In contrast, disheveled clothing or prison attire may severely diminish the self-confidence of a defendant – to the point where they are unable to contribute in any meaningful way.
What Should Men Wear to Court as Defendants?
A male defendant should consider wearing a suit, tie, and dress shoes to court. For those who do not own suits, a dress shirt with slacks should suffice. Prioritize clean attire, and consider steaming or ironing the clothing before appearing in court. Men might choose different attire depending on the type of message they want to convey to the court. For example, someone might wear less expensive or flashy clothing if they want to paint themselves as more humble. This could be particularly beneficial for those trying to downplay their wealth, including defendants accused of white-collar crimes.
What Should Women Wear to Court as Defendants?
Women do not need to wear dresses, and pantsuits are becoming more popular among both female lawyers and defendants in New York. Consider wearing muted, darker colors. Avoid overly extravagant clothing, and keep accessories to a minimum. Skirts are acceptable, but aim for knee-length options at the minimum. Classic shoes are most appropriate for the courtroom, and women should avoid open-toed options.
Prepare for Court With The Law Office of Benjamin Greenwald
Clothing can be a powerful communication tool during criminal proceedings, and it may allow defendants to send complex, nonverbal messages. Experienced defense attorneys in New York can help defendants make the most of every potential advantage – from outfit choices to character witnesses. Clothing could be more important than many realize – and one should think carefully about what to wear to court as a defendant. Consider discussing court-appropriate clothing and other relevant subjects at The Law Office of Benjamin Greenwald by calling (845) 567-4820 today.
