Going to a DUI hearing in New Jersey is serious business. Presenting the best possible defense requires careful preparation by both you and your DUI defense attorney. One way you can help with your DUI defense is by ensuring you arrive in court on time and dressed in a manner that shows you respect the seriousness of the proceedings.
People often judge others by their appearance. That includes judges in DUI cases in Municipal Court. So, if you arrive late or look disheveled, in contrast to arriving early and dressed appropriately, you can expect it will affect how the judge sees you and your defense.
At William Proetta Criminal Law, we believe it is important to pay attention to every detail when preparing a DUI defense, including what to wear to court. To learn more about our approach to defending our clients and to discuss the specific details of your case, contact us today for a free consultation.
A General Guide on What to Wear to a DUI Hearing
First impressions matter. A courtroom is a formal, professional environment. When you dress for court, you should do your best to blend in. You want the judge to focus on the facts of your case and the strengths of your defense — not on what you are wearing.
So, to make a positive first impression at a DUI hearing and to do your best to blend in with the environment, men and women alike should dress in a formal, professional manner that is not distracting to others.
With that in mind, when dressing appropriately for a court appearance, you should:
- Go formal, not casual — Try to dress properly for what is an important event in your life. Dress conservatively. Make sure to wear clothes that give you a serious and professional appearance. Avoid wearing everyday casual clothes.
- Choose neutral, dark colors — Navy blue, dark gray, or brown work best. Black is OK, too. However, some view black as being too formal for a courtroom. Avoid bright or “loud” colors in your tie or shirt, as well as tan or light gray jacket or pants.
- Keep it conservative — If your goal is to keep the judge focused on your defense, you should avoid wearing a tie, jewelry, or anything else flashy that would distract the judge.
- And keep it clean—When your clothes are clean, pressed, and wrinkle-free, it shows that you take your case seriously and that you and your attorney are prepared to present your defense.
The same ideas apply when deciding how to wear your hair and makeup. Generally, your hair should appear clean and groomed, and you should try to be subtle rather than bold in your makeup choices. If you wear a hat, take it off before you enter the courtroom.
In the past, a New Jersey DUI defense lawyer may have advised a client to cover up their tattoos before going to court. Today, however, tattoos are widely worn and accepted in society. Still, you should not expose any tattoos that contain inappropriate images or words.
Men Attending DUI Hearings
The above tips apply to anyone who must attend a DUI hearing in a Municipal Court in New Jersey. However, here are a few more tips that men, specifically, should follow:
- Wear — Your best option is a dark-colored suit or blazer, white or off-white dress shirt or button-down shirt, conservative matching tie, and dark-colored oxfords, loafers, or other dress shoes. A dress shirt, tie, and dress pants work as well. As far as jewelry, it’s generally OK to wear earrings, a single necklace, and a wedding ring.
- Do not wear — Jeans, shorts, cargo pants, baggy pants, T-shirts or sweatshirts, tennis shoes, work or hiking boots, or open-toed shoes like sandals or flip-flops. Avoid bright and loud colors. It’s best to avoid heavy jewelry or highly ornamented, attention-grabbing pieces.
Women Attending DUI Hearings
The same general guidelines for what men should wear to DUI court apply to women as well. The general idea is to lean toward a serious, professional, and non-distracting appearance. Along those lines, some tips for what women should wear to a DUI hearing are:
- Wear — Your best bet is to wear a dress or to pair a dress suit or a pair of dress slacks with a blouse. Try to stick to shoes with low- or mid-length heels. A pair of earrings, necklace, bracelet, and wedding ring are all appropriate pieces of jewelry.
- Do not wear — Anything that is too casual, like shorts, short skirts, jeans, or baggy pants, or shoes that would be better suited for the gym (like tennis shoes) or a night out on the town (like high heels), should be avoided. Also, you should not wear flashy accessories or excessive amounts of jewelry.
Other Tips for Attending Your DUI Hearing in New Jersey
In addition to what you wear, you should consider the following additional matters when getting ready to appear in court for your DUI hearing:
- Timeliness — At William Proetta Criminal Law, we will make sure you know the date, time, and court where you need to appear. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to travel, park, make your way through the security line at the entrance, and get into the courtroom before your scheduled appearance time.
- Sharp objects or weapons — You cannot bring sharp objects or anything resembling a weapon to court. Check your keychain. Some keychain items may not be allowed by security guards.
- Cell phones — If you bring your phone to the courthouse, the best thing to do is to turn it off before you enter the courtroom. You don’t want to be seen staring at your phone during a hearing, and you certainly don’t want your phone to ring.
- Food — While a bottle of water may be acceptable, never chew gum in a courtroom or bring any food to a DUI hearing. Try to eat a good meal before you come to court.
- Children, family, and friends — It may be highly important to you that your friends and family, including your children, attend your DUI hearing to give you emotional support. However, if your child is young, someone should be available to take the child out of the courtroom if they start to cry or become restless.
Get Help from an Experienced New Jersey DUI Defense Lawyer Today
As a lawyer who has represented clients in DUI hearings throughout New Jersey, our founding attorney, William Proetta, knows how to develop an effective defense strategy. If you were recently charged with a DUI, contact us today at William Proetta Criminal Law to learn more about how our team can help you fight your DUI charge.
