What should a man wear to traffic court?

Question

Is a suit overdressing? Is a sport coat, tie and khaki pants too casual?

Answer 1

Impressions do help, so I think this is a good question. A tie would be good, but a dress shirt without a tie, with khakis or even with nice jeans would be fine as well. Shoes make a difference for how dressy an outfit seems, so if you have something a step up from tennis/casual shoes but not shiny dress shoes that would be good.

Most importantly, be respectful, call the judge 'sir' or 'your honor' but don't overdo it.

A friend of mine went to traffic court (I went along) and right before him a guy got called up for the same exact thing as my friend (driving too fast for conditions) - same day, same intersection - it was sleeting out. Anyway, this guy was arguing with the judge and being generally disrespectful. We thought my friend was in trouble after that. But he actually got off lighter (even though he has some more serious priors) because he was more respectful and, I think, dressed nicer. It showed he was taking things seriously.

Answer 2

It can never hurt to overdress for court, although a tuxedo might be a bit much :-)
You're allowed to come to court dressed in any attire that's legally sufficient for being out in public, but I do think that dressing formally or at least semi-formally (the same way you would for a business meeting or a job interview) will show that you're an individual who respects both himself and the people of the court, and take the law and it's proceedings seriously. Keep in mind, the clothes alone don't make the man - your bearing must be as sharp, and the presentation of your defense must be as well thought-out as your attire.

Come in with a 4 o'clock shadow dressed in jeans and a t-shirt, and the judge will think "Here we go, yet another schmuck coming with some excuse or other for me to process. I'll probably cut him the usual deal if this takes too long and just send him out of here. What am I gonna have for lunch today?". Come in looking smart and dignified (wearing a business suit, or a blazer with shirt, tie, and slacks), and the judge is more likely to wake up and think "Well, maybe this gentleman has something worth listening to. I'd better pay attention, I wouldn't want him to catch me off-guard". It isn't fair that people are judged on their appearance, but that's the way it often works.

Answer 3

Let a lawyer handle this for you. I have had several speeding tickets, and if you don't use a lawyer, no matter what the court tells you, your insurance will about double for at least three years.

It will cost you a couple of hundred bucks, but then you'll pay almost that in court cost and fine if you just go yourself.

The insurance cost is the important thing here. I didn't have a ticket for several years, and then I got one for 70 in a 55. I pled "Prayer for judgment" and the judge accepted that so I got no fine, no points on my license, and only had to pay the court cost which was $90.00. But when my insurance company found out about it (the state will report it to the insurance company.....nothing you can do to prevent that) my insurance DOUBLED for 3 years.

It is more than worth the cost of an attorney. They can get it reduced to some minor deal and your insurance doesn't go up.

Answer 4

I just went to court myself after I had gotten off work. I wore a polo (not to fancy) and jeans with tennis shoes. I think when it comes to traffic court they want you in and out. To them they aren't looking at the clothing (unless you aren' t wearing any) rather they look at your record. An example was during the same day a older (late 80's)gentleman hired his lawyer son (pro bono I am sure) in which both of them wore really decent suits and they were fighting...wait for it... a parking ticket. Personally, I thought they looked kinda dumb especially in a po dunk town.

Answer 5

NO! Don't wear a suit. I work at the court house. That will make you look like a total kiss ***. No problem with *** kissing, but don't LOOK like one okay? You'll get a fine in traffic court no matter what you wear.

Answer 6

Jeans and a polo should be fine. Maybe slacks are a shirt.

You *can* wear t-shirt and jeans. But it just makes you look like an idiot. Look at it this way, when the judge is deciding what to do with you, do you want him thinking "Wow, this guy doesn't even respect me enough to dress up"

or

"Wow, look at everyone in this court room dressed like idiots, it's a nice change of pace that someone dressed nicely."

Answer 7

when one goes to court. one should dress appropriately.
That would show respect for the court.
Sport coat tie and khaki pants and dress shoes hair neat if you have piercing or tattoes hide them well. look like a boy scout........lol Good luck.
I have been to traffic court and my own uncle gave me a ticket.
He taught me to drive........ One of my car's is a 81 corvette and I didn't know he was around; I had the t-tops off; my hair flying in the wind. jamming to lynard sknard with my German Shepard Jake in the passenger........lol
He had radar on and all he saw was a flash of yellow and he said I know that was not my niece............. it was.
Any way I had to go to traffic court. It seems they were nicer to the ones that was dressed respectfully, clean and well mannered........... good luck I had to go to traffic school which was a triffle embarassing since I was older than most of them there........ lol

Answer 8

Casual wear is accepted in court hearings.

Answer 9

just wear jeans and a t-shirt - that's what my husband wore. Everyone pretty much just dressed like that. if you want you can wear a nice shirt and khakis, but no tie or suit - you'll look a little awkward

Answer 10

A tie, shirt and slacks, without tennis shoes is appropriate. Members of the bar are usually required to wear suits!