Appropriate Dress for Court in Massachusetts

Attorney Michael DelSignore is an experienced OUI attorney who will do everything he can within the legal system to obtain a not guilty verdict for your case. He will work day in and day out to make sure that every possible defense is heard by a court of law, and part of his job will be to prove that you are a contributing, valuable member to society. He does this so judges will think more positively of you. This can be made much more difficult if you do not present yourself in a manner deemed respectable by a judge.

Showing respect for the judicial system by dressing and acting appropriately will inform the judge that you take their profession and your charges seriously. Part of obtaining a not guilty verdict will be to show the judge you are a good person and benefit society in a positive way, and so the first impression is extremely important. Whether your court date is in person or on Zoom or a video conference technology, you should also dress like you are attending an important job interview or family event. There is no need to start off of the wrong foot by giving the judge the impression you do not respect the gravity of having a criminal charge pending against you by not dressing appropriately for court. If you case is on Zoom, sit with good posture during the entire proceeding and make sure your background is appropriate.

Your attire will be a judge’s first impression of you. The wrong attire could leave the judge more doubtful about your respect for the judicial system and ultimately could cause them to think negatively about you.

Inappropriate attire would include what one would wear in their everyday lives such as jeans, t-shirts, flannels and hats. Avoid clothing with rips, holes or obvious stains. You should be dressing for court in the same fashion you would dress for a job interview, a religious gathering or a fancy dinner.

Appropriate attire includes business or business casual apparel such as button down shirts, suit jackets, slacks and dress shoes. For women specifically, conservative dresses and skirts, sweaters and blouses are good options if you do not prefer slacks.

The judge will be noting everything that goes on in their courtroom, and so when you’re waiting for your case to be called, it’s respectful to sit quietly and patiently by refraining from side conversations. If someone close to you comes to your hearing, do not act informal with relaxed actions such as slinging your arm around the back of their chair because it could come off as disrespectful to the judge. Maintaining a calm, quiet, attentive composure will alert the judge that you take the charges before you seriously.

Cell phones are allowed in the courtroom ONLY by attorneys and court employees, so be sure to silence yours or leave it in your car.

Speak politely when talking in the courtroom, especially when the judge addresses you directly. When you are asked to reply to the judge, it’s polite to finish your sentence with, “your honor.” If you are asked a question, try to be concise and answer with “yes, your honor,” or “no, your honor.”

Attorney Michael DelSignore asks that while he does his part, you do yours. Showing respect for the judicial system goes a long way in the eyes of judges. Those who show up late, who choose to yell out during their hearings, who don’t dress appropriately have a more difficult time convincing the judges that the charges are either untrue or unjust because judges tend to look negatively on these actions.

While Michael DelSignore looks out for you, he kindly asks that you also look out for yourself. Appropriate etiquette and physical and verbal respect are large influencers on the possible outcome of your case.

Call or text Attorney DelSignore directly for a free consultation about your case at (781) 686-5924. It is never too early or late to call us; we are here to help you.

Our passion is to help those in need. Contact us today.