<p>What is the best outfit to wear for sentencing? Must a man wear a suit,or is a nice V neck sweater ,dress shirt and a tie OK? This may seem trivial, but it is a small factor that I suppose could influence a judge in a positive way. It seems CRAZY to buy a suit for this, but he will if it could affect the length of his sentence. Thank you. Please put this in Parent Cafe for me.</p>
<p>I think his lawyer would have the best advice, knowing the judge and how things usually are done in that courtroom for a young offender. But one would think that the sentencing decision will have been made before the judge enters the courtroom, and only wildly inappropriate attire might bring about a change of heart.</p>
<p>I don’t know that I would buy a suit, but if that is recommended, then perhaps rent one for the day?</p>
<p>We witnessed several criminal case sentencings through a program called JusticeWorks. It was fascinating. What struck me, was how poorly many people dressed. They didn’t even try, didn’t comb their hair, or look up at the judge. They mumbled. These were things anyone could have taken care of. The guy that got the lightest sentence was the one wearing the suit, who was well taken care of, looked at and spoke respectfully to the judge, had a lawyer…and was a drug dealer. He was the hardest core criminal there, and got the lightest sentence. I don’t know if the sentences were already decided at that point, but it seemed like they weren’t.</p>
<p>A remorseful look is best for sentencing. Too, ask your lawyer if family members and friends should be in audience at sentencing…and what they should wear. You don’t want to look cocky, or disrespectful. Your lawyer can tell you what to wear. If you are a bank robber or if you are in bankruptcy court…don’t dress like a Wall Street investment banker. Again, ask lawyer what to wear.</p>
<p>p.s. If a Wall Street investment banker is appearing before a judge for sentencing, he should wear a business suit from JC Penney.</p>
<p>I will hold your family in the Light.</p>
<p>There is only one correct answer for this question. A man should wear a suit and tie or a blue coat and tie along with dress pants to a criminal sentencing. </p>
<p>It is also better if a man with long hair cuts his hair short (of course, he should have done this before the trial). It is foolish for a man to appear in court with earrings or flashy jewelry or visible tattoos that can be covered up. </p>
<p>People convey messages with their voices, their physical expressions, and their appearance. A defendant may choose not to speak but he can still convey a message of respect to the court and that he understands the seriousness of the proceeding by how he dresses. Most judges do everything possible to judge only behavior but not appearances, but they are also human and in cases that are complex and have many possible outcomes, they will behave like any other humans.</p>
<p>A defendant is best off if the judge cannot tell who is the defendant and who is the lawyer when the judge first sees the male defendant and male lawyer.</p>
<p>^ I totally agree with this. Show respect, and that also means, dress like it’s an important event in his life (as it is). Also, be sure he showers, cuts his hair, and shaves. He may not like any of that advice, but he has to be mindful it’s not his courtroom.</p>
<p>Sending you prayers as you help him through this.</p>
<p>It’s my understanding that in a courtroom, how you dress is a reflection of how respectful you are of the judge. That is why attorney’s always wear a suit when appearing before a judge. They will even make sure that their suit buttons are closed when they speak to the judge. </p>
<p>So, I vote for wearing a suit. And a neat hairstyle. </p>
<p>Perhaps you can pick one up secondhand.</p>
<p>fauxmaven,</p>
<p>if your son is given a chance to make a statement, make sure that he knows to accept full responsibility for whatever actions landed him in this predicament, and a determination to turn around his life–and to make this statement loudly and clearly, and while looking at the judge.</p>
<p>All of us will be holding your hand at this difficult moment in your life, just as you will be holding the hand of your son.</p>
<p>I agree that dressing neatly and respectfully is key. Work with your attorney on this. Also, it tends to be persuasive if you are allowed to speak and take full responsibility and talk about the steps you are taking and will continue to take toward turning your life around toward a positive direction will also help with your sentencing.</p>
<p>Thrift shops, JC Penney’s and Sears tend to have lower priced blazers and/or suits. Definitely have a neat haircut and be clean and show no visible piercings or tattoos if possible as well.</p>
<p>You’ll be in my prayers.</p>
<p>Several have mentioned “respect” and I feel the same way. I always wear a jacket and tie (not sure a suit makes a difference) when I go to court as a sign of respect to the court. Many others in attendance are more casual, but not me. (And I am not a lawyer)</p>
<p>The possible exception would be if you are from a wealthy preppy background and the judge holds a grudge against what he or she sees as the “privileged class” then wearing a suit could actually work against you.</p>
<p>My son is very conservative in his appearance- no tats or piercings ,and is a good speaker with a college degree. I am very sad about this,and I will take lots of pictures at Thanksgiving because we won’t all be together for awhile. It’s sad to think that while his other friends are getting married ,or getting PhDs, my son ,who is 32, is doing hard time. I know this is going to be for 2.5 or 3 years, and I will visit often if not too far. Does the court take into consideration where his family lives and try to place him not too far away to encourage family visitation?</p>
<p>I’m not an expert on this topic of where the system will place a felon, but I think there are many variables. First of all, it depends on his offense. I think violent criminals go in one direction, while those “white collar criminals” go someplace else. Of course it also depends on how they view the needs to keep him in security. There are high security facilities and low security ones (this probably also relates to his offense). Finally, I think certain criminals are sent in one area. </p>
<p>I came across this site, which may be a start to investigate. Then click on each facility for more details. [BOP:</a> Federal Bureau of Prisons Web Site](<a href=“http://www.bop.gov/]BOP:”>http://www.bop.gov/)</p>
<p>I am sorry you are going through this. I am a criminal defense attorney, and family support is a great indicator of how a defendant will handle and move on from this period in his life. As for attire a suit is fine, but so is a nice button up shirt and /or sweater and dress pants. If you are being sentenced in the federal system, you can ask the Judge to recommend a specific facility, or a facility closest to where you live. Judges will usually grant the request, however the federal bureau of prison has final say.</p>
<p>I agree with bklngal - a nice shirt and dress pants will be fine. (I’m also a lawyer.) I’m sorry OP.</p>
<p>fauxmaven, good luck to you and your son. Just know that you will both get through this.</p>
<p>Dress neatly and soberly. Do not need a black suit but if a tie, don’t wear a bright color. Make sure hair is cut and combed but not slicked like for a date. (You see defendants sometimes dressed like they’re going to a club because in their minds this is what it means to dress nice.) </p>
<p>Remember that if asked a question or addressed by the judge to say “Your honor” as in “Thank you, your honor” or “No, your honor.” The judges hear that phrase. </p>
<p>Prepare something in case you’re asked if you have something to say. Judges hear lies all day long. Genuine contrition shows. Saying you’ve learned your lesson is dumb: you can’t evade punishment by saying I’m sorry. But you need to say you’re sorry. You need to say something like you see what your actions have done to your family - see? that shows you understand your actions have consequences. You don’t say “I see now that my actions have consequences.” You say something specific like “I can’t believe how much I’ve hurt my family. My mother can’t … , etc.” It’s okay to ask for a chance, to say something like “I want to make this right. I’ll show you I can.” They want to hear evidence of understanding. It doesn’t need to be rehearsed. I’ve seen people read from a paper. </p>
<p>You never know what a judge will do except now they’re bound by all these sentencing laws. I’ve seen judges deliver the wrath of God in speeches and then give light sentences. I’ve seen them deliver the wrath of God and then do just that. A lot depends on what the judge sees in the sentencing reports and some is gut feel. Some judges do things by rote. Others try to improve lives through threats of condemnation and offers of repentance. Some see it as a stage for them. Others as a place where the measure of the law is enacted.</p>
<p>Good luck fauxmaven and to your son as well. I think every parent can sympathize with the difficulty of your situation.</p>
<p>Haven’t seen this topic on CC!</p>