Sometimes, during the criminal record expungement process, the state’s attorney objects to a person’s petition.

If that happens to you, you may be entitled to a hearing in front of the judge. Your attorney will be able to represent you during that hearing, but you also need to be there. If you’re like most people, you aren’t quite sure what to wear to court – but this list will tell you everything you need to know about the appropriate apparel or a court appearance.

What to Wear to Court

Generally, because the court is a very formal place, you should wear something that is appropriate or church or another semi-formal occasion.

What to Wear for Men

• Long pants (not jeans, unless they are the only long pants you own)
• A long-sleeve, button-down shirt with a collar
• A belt to hold up your pants
• Dress shoes, not sneakers or tennis shoes

What Not to Wear for Men

• Shorts
• T-shirts, tank tops or muscle tops
• Sandals or flip-flops
• Athletic clothing
• A hat
• Any clothing that doesn’t fit, or that you’d wear to clean or work on something

Jeans might be acceptable, if they’re the only long pants you own. You can also wear a work uniform, provided that it doesn’t include shorts, it’s conservative, and it’s clean and in good repair.

Shave, and make sure you’re neat and clean. The idea is to avoid standing out.

What to Wear for Women

• A pantsuit, a dress, or slacks or a skirt with a conservative top
• Closed-toed shoes

What Not to Wear for Women

• A top or dress with spaghetti straps (or no straps at all)
• Open-toed shoes or sandals
• A revealing shirt or skirt
• Shorts or a short skirt that bares your legs
• Hats
• Clothing that’s too tight or too loose, or that you’d wear to clean or work on something

You can wear jeans if they’re the only long pants you have, but don’t wear anything revealing. Work uniforms are usually okay, if they’re conservative and in good shape. Don’t go overboard on makeup or jewelry, either – this is one place you don’t want to stand out.

Do You Need to Talk to a Lawyer About Expunging Your Criminal Record?

If you’re thinking about petitioning the court for a criminal record expungement, we may be able to help you. Call us at 847-920-4540 for a free expungement case review today.