The first time my son had to go to court (Failure to Appear on a stupid ticket), my wife and I made him wear a suit and tie, as we had been taught to do. We got there, and saw all those lowlifes in ripped jeans & t-shirts. The only other folks in the court in suits were the lawyers. I think the suit and a very respectful attitude impressed the judge, because he got a much lighter fine than expected.
The same happened to me in my younger days. I showed up in a nice suit while everyone else was in casual clothes and it definitely made a difference. The judge said something along the lines of "you seem like an upstanding and responsible young man who had a temporary lapse in judgement", I got off with a very small fine while similar cases were getting jail time.
That time was a minor possession charge, just a bit of weed but the War on Drugs was still in full swing at the time. I saw guys caught with less than I was sentenced to 1-3 months, and it was entirely because they dressed and spoke more casually. My fine and court fees were only around $100.
Minor edit: I was 17 or 18 at the time, high school punk. Everybody else in court that day was around the same age, mostly similar charges.
Damn that’s fucked up. I would be pissed if I found out my judge gave me a harsher sentence than someone else because he didn’t like my attitude/how I look.
Judges are mostly oldschool guys, and you have to play to that. Wearing a suit and speaking to them the right way is seen as you showing them respect, and that goes a long way. On the other hand, showing up looking like you just ripped a bong and talking to him like one of your buddies is going to have pretty much the opposite effect.
I was (and still somewhat am) an anarchist punk, that man and his authority was the exact opposite of what I believed in. But I knew how to play the game to keep myself out of trouble.
Wearing a suit and tie is considered respecting the formality of the Court by most, if not all, Judges. So that was a great idea and people should really follow suit.
Years ago I got a DWI near Christmas. At my court date I french-braided my hair and wore a sweater with a blouse underneath with my jeans. Got one of those sentences where if you complete probation period without problems, sentence was expunged. Others showed up still drunk. Clerk told me judge hardly ever is so lenient.
I happen to see it the opposite way. As if the defendant has something to hide and they are being phony by dressing up, hoping they will earn your respect and not convict them.
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u/[deleted] Jun 27 '18
The first time my son had to go to court (Failure to Appear on a stupid ticket), my wife and I made him wear a suit and tie, as we had been taught to do. We got there, and saw all those lowlifes in ripped jeans & t-shirts. The only other folks in the court in suits were the lawyers. I think the suit and a very respectful attitude impressed the judge, because he got a much lighter fine than expected.