What say you are how do you dress when you go to court? I was always taught to dress to impress where your Sunday’s best however, I recently learned that the better you dress the more you’ll have to pay. I recently had a court date in a sundown town. #twiggscounty I was charged with possession of marijuana. I had my court date and before I seen the judge, another lady went before him. She had the exact same charge only she had a little extra she had more than just marijuana. The judge set her fine at $250. When it was my turn all I had was marijuana no other drugs no other things I didn’t resist or anything my my fine was set at $900z I thought the fines are a supposed to be a set price for everyone. I came dressed like you see me here, she came in her street clothes looking kind of shabby and Ragley looking. so my question is should I start looking Ragley when I go to court and not dressed in my best? Cause why should I have to pay more just because I care about how I dress. 👗 what yall think?
From my own experiences and what I've learned from others, the way you dress for court can sometimes influence impressions but shouldn’t legally affect fines or sentences. However, it seems in some places, especially smaller towns or particular courts, appearance might unintentionally impact judgments, even if it’s unfair. I recall attending court for a minor charge like possession of marijuana, wearing professional attire as I had always been advised to show respect to the court. Interestingly, I noticed a significant difference in fines compared to another defendant who wore casual or even shabby clothes despite having more serious charges. This disparity left me questioning whether judges or court officials judge credibility or seriousness based on appearance. It’s crucial to remember that fines and sentences are supposed to be standardized, but discretion can vary widely depending on local policies and individual judges. Dressing well is traditionally seen as a sign of respect and responsibility, which can sometimes work in your favor, but it may also cause unexpected outcomes like higher fines if perceived as trying to 'impress' unfairly. If you’re facing a court date, consider balancing respectful attire without appearing overly formal or inconsistent with your case context. Also, try to understand local court culture—some places may prioritize appearances differently. Ultimately, the best approach is to focus on your legal representation and the facts of your case. Personal presentation is important but shouldn't be the deciding factor in your penalties. Sharing these experiences helps raise awareness that courtroom fairness should rely on facts, not fashions.