Dress for the occasion. Dress for success. Dress to impress. Why? A person’s freedom is at stake. Criminal charges are serious matters that can have far-reaching consequences which could impact not only a client’s reputation and future, but also his or her freedom, with the possibility of incarceration upon conviction. The significance of the attire communicated by both the client and the lawyer cannot be overstated.
If you have been charged with a crime in either federal or state court, whether it is a misdemeanor or a felony, my experienced South Florida criminal defense firm not only delivers quality legal representation but also is able to guide our clients in dressing for success in the courtroom. My years of experience in criminal courtrooms allow me to advise as to what attire works best and what attire will simply not work at all.
The Law Office of A. Randall Haas is not only passionate about defending good people who have found themselves in bad situations, but also offering guidance through every step of the process of litigation. This includes how to dress for court, what colors, combinations, and accessories will work best and what to wear for different types of court events.
Attire in the courtroom by both the attorney and the client demands adherence to particular unwritten dress codes. Acknowledging that courtroom presentation can greatly influence judges and juries, a polished, professional, and appropriate appearance is vital when litigating criminal cases. Something as simple as the style of footwear can influence a judge or jury. That is why the attire of an attorney and the client at any in-court and out-of-court proceedings is so vitally important.
A navy blue suit or dress won’t work every time. Both the attorney and the client want to be respectful and memorable, but not too flashy or over the top. Wearing an expensive suit or watch can be a turn-off to a judge or a jury in criminal court. Awareness and attention to appropriate attire not only shows respect to the court and jury, but also implies a level of self-respect that will likely influence a judge or jury’s perception of the lawyer or his client.
As a longtime criminal defense attorney, I dress in different styles and colors depending on whether I am arguing a pretrial motion, selecting a jury, delivering an opening statement, cross-examining a witness, questioning my own witness, or delivering a closing argument. The goal is always to have the attire be right for the particular event.
Judges and juries respond to not only what they hear but also to what they see. They will often form impressions and make judgments based upon how a lawyer or client looks. Non-verbal communication, like the attire of a lawyer or his client, can definitely play a significant role in how a lawyer or his client is perceived in a criminal courtroom. The trial carries the highest visual stakes because jurors are watching and often studying the lawyer and the client for extended periods of time, generally for days or even weeks at a time. First impressions can be based not only on attire, but also on the hairstyle, facial hair, and even apparent manifestations of personal hygiene of the lawyer or his client.
The Law Office of A. Randall Haas is aware of and appreciates the importance of the appearances of the lawyer and the client. Randall Haas seeks to use every possible advantage available in securing a positive result for his client. Attire during in-court criminal defense work, like fashion, is not based upon a one-size-fits all formula.
If you find yourself or someone close to you accused of a crime, it is generally a very stressful time. The Law Office of A. Randall Haas is committed to providing strategies tailored to the unique circumstances of each case, providing a comprehensive and aggressive defense to every client. You can rely on his knowledge, skill set, and more than four decades of courtroom experience to deliver effective legal representation. Call us at 954.763.9211 to schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your case and how he can help.