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What should You wear to court?

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The short answer:

What I tell my clients is that you should wear what you would wear to a church service on Sunday or to a friend’s wedding.

The more detailed answer:

For men, it’s usually a good idea to at least wear a collar. It’s hard to overdress for court, but do not walk into court wearing a tuxedo. If you’ve got a shirt on, tuck it in. Do not wear shorts. Do not wear a tank top.

For women, dress conservatively do not wear anything that can be deemed provocative or disrespectful. Wear something that covers your knees (i.e. pants, long-medium length skirt or dress). Do not wear short shorts, spaghetti straps, or midriff tops.

Click here to see examples of what to wear: https://media.licdn.com/mpr/mpr/p/3/005/078/0b9/22ea358.jpg

The point is not to make yourself look better than everybody else. Looking nice in court is about showing respect to the judge. Judges spend their entire day looking out at a crowd of people who fall asleep, aren’t paying attention, playing on their phone, or basically dressed very carelessly. If you show up to court dressed appropriately, then the judge will more likely identify you as somebody who is taking their situation seriously. In the end, the way you dress may not determine the way your case is handled, but it sets the tone. It may be the first thing the Judge notice. Sometimes when you’re dealing with a criminal charge the smallest of factors can contribute to moving the needle on to what kind of deal you may or may not get. So, give yourself every advantage that you can.

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The articles on this blog are accurate as of their date of publication and are intended to provide general information about the status of the law and commonly accepted practices in North Carolina.
These articles should not be considered legal advice.
For personalized guidance, we recommend consulting with a qualified attorney.

FELONIES & MISDEMEANORS

Felony Crimes and Misdemeanors

Thomas Amburgey is a criminal defense lawyer that represents people in a wide and inclusive range of felony and misdemeanor accusations and charges. If you have been accused of a crime, no matter how small you believe it to be, call Thomas today and begin protecting your rights under the Constitution.

HOMICIDE / CAPITAL CRIME

Homicide & Capital Crime

Murder is one of the most serious crimes to be accused of and, if convicted, is accompanied by a life sentence, possibly without parole. Some examples of murder charges are:

  • Voluntary Manslaughter
  • Involuntary Manslaughter
  • Vehicular Homicide
  • Second-Degree Murder
  • First-Degree Murder
WEAPONS OFFENSES

Weapons Offenses

Thomas Amburgey’s extensive trial experience as a prosecutor allows him to intimately understand the weaknesses of the state’s case, where their positions lie, and how to best communicate with the DA. He knows the courtroom. Through more than seventy jury trials, he’s gained an innate understanding of what is most important for putting you in the position to win.

  • felon in possession of a firearm
  • violation of conceal/carry laws
  • assault with a deadly weapon
  • illegal sale of weapons
DUI / DWI

DUI / DWI

North Carolina law enforcement does not take DWI/DUI matters lightly and has some of the most stringent sentencing structures in the Country. If you are found to be legally intoxicated on a North Carolina highway, we firmly recommend that you seek a defense lawyer with particular experience with North Carolina DWI/DUI charges. As a former prosecutor, criminal defense attorney Thomas Amburgey is exceptionally knowledgeable of the State Court systems and the DWI/DUI process.

VIOLENT CRIME

Violent Crimes: Assault, Battery, Domestic Violence

  • Assault and Battery
  • Assault with Intent to Kill
  • Assault with a Deadly Weapon
  • Domestic Violence
  • Hate Crimes
  • Sexual Assault, Rape
  • Manslaughter
  • Murder/Homicide
  • Robbery and Burglary (Breaking and Entering)
  • Vehicular Manslaughter
  • Violation of Domestic Protective Order (Restraining Order)
  • Weapons Crimes
THEFT / PROPERTY CRIME

Larceny: Theft, Burglary, Shoplifting

  • Concealment of merchandise in a store
  • Felony larceny of motor vehicle parts
  • Larceny of gasoline at a service station
  • Receiving or possessing stolen goods
  • Removal of a shopping cart from store premises
SEX OFFENSES

Sex Crimes: Child Abuse, Child Pornography, Rape

  • Abuse and Sexual Assault
  • Indecent exposure, lewd and lascivious conduct
  • Indecent liberties with a juvenile
  • Internet Sex Crimes
  • Molestation
  • Pimping, pandering, and prostitution
  • Rape and Date Rape
  • Sexual Harassment
  • Statutory rape (sex with a minor)
PROBATION VIOLATIONS

Probation Violations

  • Failing to report to a probation officer
  • Missing curfew
  • Testing positive for alcohol or drugs
  • Failing to pay fines or restitution
  • New charges
UNDERAGE OFFENSES

Student Offenses

  • Assault
  • Disorderly conduct
  • DWI and DWI under 21
  • Fake ID possession
  • Underage possession of alcohol
  • Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute or for personal use
  • Possession of a Controlled Substance
  • Prescription Drug Charges
  • Sexual assault or battery
DRUG CRIME

DRUG & SUBSTANCE OFFENSES

A drug crime conviction can impose some of the harshest penalties available, including hefty fines, seizure of property, and possible imprisonment.  If you are faced with any type of drug crime, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney to help you navigate the complex drug laws of North Carolina.  

WHITE COLLAR CRIME

White-Collar Crime

Common white-collar crimes include:

  • Fraud
  • Embezzlement
  • Money Laundering
  • Forgery

If you suspect that you are the subject of a criminal, corporate, or governmental investigation, seek the assistance of an experienced criminal lawyer to help you.

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