What to Wear to Court (and How to Act): A Defense Lawyer’s Advice

The one-line rule

Dress like you are going to a job interview at a bank. You do not need a suit — clean, conservative, and unremarkable wins. The goal is for the judge to remember your case, not your outfit.

For men

• Best: a suit or a collared dress shirt with slacks; a tie helps but is not required
• Fine: a plain polo or button-down with khakis and closed shoes
• Tuck the shirt in, wear a belt, and shave or groom facial hair

For women

• Best: a blouse with slacks or a knee-length (or longer) skirt or dress; a blazer if you have one
• Keep necklines conservative and heels modest; flats are fine
• Minimal jewelry and makeup — understated reads as respectful

What to leave at home

• Shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, hats, and sunglasses
• Clothing with slogans, band or alcohol logos, or anything provocative
• Ripped jeans, gym wear, and pajama-adjacent anything
• Visible piercings beyond earrings where practical; cover tattoos if you reasonably can

How to act

Arrive early — Maricopa County court security lines can take twenty minutes, and judges notice who is late. Silence your phone before entering the courtroom. Stand when the judge enters and when you address the court, answer "yes, your honor" and "no, your honor," and never interrupt — even when something said about you is wrong. Your attorney corrects the record; visible frustration only hurts you. If you are in custody attire or an ankle monitor situation, tell your attorney beforehand so it can be addressed.

Appearance is a small lever, but in close calls — release conditions, probation terms, how a judge reads remorse — small levers matter. What happens inside the hearing is the bigger one; that is the work of a Phoenix criminal defense attorney, and it starts well before you walk in.