So worried

[Boys don't cry]

This will always be a dilemna!

More than 10 years ago I had to go to court for a speeding ticket.
I knew someone who was doing exactly the same speed as I was,got caught as well.
I had 3 points,he had 6???

Why,sorry to say this but because we look different.

RF is right in a way but there will always be a "first look" judgement.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3h-T3KQNxU

My solicitor several times told me "You present well,the jury will like you"
My barrister told the jury "Look at him,he doesn't look like a criminal!"

Billy, make sure you look smart it can only help.
Best of luck.

[Rights Fighter]

I've attended trials where the defendant has been wearing suit and looked ultra smart and the prosecution witnesses were dressed tartily, covered in tattoos, looked awful with absolutely no respect for the court. Unfortunately I've had to visit some of these defendants in prison.

Being 'handsome' (in whoever's opinion) is not a passport out of the court and into the bright world. I've attended many good looking men in prison who should not be there. And they wore suits at trial.

Go figure.


It is better to show respect for the court and dress appropriately but it's not a ticket home by any means.

[Boys don't cry]

I really do have respect for you RF and I know that you shouldn't judge anyone from their appearance.
This is why I added a link.

Anyone who would see my accuser and the prosecution told the jury "She is small".
This is why she is dangerous,if you could see her you would doubt as well.

You must work on your defence,this is the most important factor.

I believe in justice because I tried to do my best and at the end I was found "Not guilty"

I have seen other defendants and I will always believe that if there is a week when you must make the best efforts of your life:
It is the week you spend in Court.Of course if you lied and if you didn't prepare yourself...it is up to you.

But you know RF that I am just trying to help and it would be wiser to come to Court with a suit than a pair of jeans,trainers,tatooes on the face,rings on each finger,mohican haircut...

I know I am getting stupid.

Before I went to Court I am sure that I browse the web and found "Things to avoid in Court".
I just remember "Sports outfit,too much perfume,if you put on weight get yourself something up to date,..."

If you respect yourself you are much likely to respect others and the community.

Just go in a shop with a tracksuit, you will hear "All right Mate?"
A few weeks later with a suit "Can I help you Sir?"

You all know: "Dress to impress"

You do what you want Billy,I was just trying to help and as I said in one of my previous post I do respect everyone.
I am not english but some of you came to support me and saved me because they knew I would never do something like this.

If you are accused of fraud and have millions on several bank accounts,you can wear the smartest suit and at the end you will be "Guilty".
But if you are innocent from the beginning I would only suggest trying to be smart.

Thank you RF and Billy.

@RF:Go figure...(I like this)

I have been a few times to Crown Court just for my first hearing and...
I saw some men who where three times bigger than me,their back like a V shape,with tattoes,some seem to be from "Lock stock and two smoking barrels"
I am 100% sure they must the best friends you could ever have,really reliable,people you can trust and in a way I admired them.

But going to jail with them,I would be dead now.

[Boys don't cry]

Billy

I am just trying to help and support you.
It is just my opinion.
This website helped me a lot but you mustn't take my advice for granted.
Bless.

[Rights Fighter]

You are right BDC that the defendant and his supporters should show the court respect by dressing appropriately. The point I was making though, is that dressing properly doesn't guarantee you the verdict you want.

Look at the jury - some of them may be really scruffy and a smart suit won't faze them!

[Boys don't cry]

RF
You are right,

My witnesses except one wore a suit.
I had two men and two women.

It is only for you your own good and to feel better to wear one.
You will only feel less distracted if you look smart except the tie seems to strangle you sometimes

When I was in the box for more than a week I felt relieved I bought some suits.
Before the D day I was already panicking about what to wear.

Be prepared,first with your defense,then your appearence.

[Rights Fighter]

That's good advice BDC.

[Amre]

Rape isn't about sexual attractiveness. Its about power and control. It's kinda hard for a jury to look at you and think "Why would he need to do that?" as you're not disputing that you had consensual sex with her. Generally the more "attractive" a person is the better they are received by others unfortunately when it comes to rape its the exception that proves the rule. People are less likely to look at a handsome guy and think "Why would he need to do that?" and more likely to think "cuss he's good looking he doesn't understand no"
As feminine and attractive a facial tattoo my be, it won't make a lot of difference and as RF rightly said, can be construed as an attempt to make herself unattractive and avoid future rapes. Don't worry about how you look and how she looks. You need to nail down your version of events, be respectful, corporative and stolid- thats all you need to worry about.

[Rights Fighter]

Very well put Amre. And as he admits to having consensual sex with her then the business of

I only ask as to without blowing my own trumpet too much if they see her and me they will prob think why would i need to do that.

.........is completely irrelevant. If you had consensual sex with her then you must have found her attractive at some point. Le's leave ego out of this and concentrate on the case.

[Boys don't cry]

Very well put Amre.

Yes, Amre,it is a very sensible post.

Maybe if my english was perfect I would post one as well.
My main concern is that :If you are innocent from the beginning,you must build your defense perfectly.
Your barrister will help you towards this but the prosecution will ask you several times the same questions and invite the jury to believe that you are a menace for the society
You must prove at least that you reasonably believed she was consenting.
Once again I apologise if I have been misunderstood.
This is not a fashion or model show but a Crown Court,the only fact that will save you is that the jury believes more in your words than hers.
But I thought that by looking smart meant that you show respect?

[Rights Fighter]

Yes, Amre,it is a very sensible post.

Maybe if my english was perfect I would post one as well.
My main concern is that :If you are innocent from the beginning,you must build your defense perfectly.
Your barrister will help you towards this but the prosecution will ask you several times the same questions and invite the jury to believe that you are a menace for the society
You must prove at least that you reasonably believed she was consenting.
Once again I apologise if I have been misunderstood.
This is not a fashion or model show but a Crown Court,the only fact that will save you is that the jury believes more in your words than hers.
But I thought that by looking smart meant that you show respect?

You are doing very well BDC!

Looking smart does mean you show respect but it rarely has much effect on the jury in our cases. I think it helps our innocent defendants to know that they look smart in any event. Most people feel better about themselves when they are dressed nicely.

[Faith]

I agree RF, BDC is being very supportive on the forum

[Rights Fighter]

He certainly is - English not being a first language is no bar to being really helpful. And he is very helpful too.

[Boys don't cry]

Thanks, both of you.
I am only an amateur in this forum but I will learn.

[friday]

BDC: Just wanted to add I think it's great the support you are giving.
I agree with you that dressing smartly can have an effect. I wore a teal jumper one day in court (other than that I almost always wear black and very occasionally white) because of fear of other people's perceptions of me as a "goth". Equally I stuck to what I felt comfortable in. You don't want to look and feel like you are wearing fancy dress! Looks can and often are deceiving (some of the most peace-loving people I know have mohicans, piercings and tattoos) but in court it is probably better to play it a bit safer and go for a more smart look. I think it does show you respect the formality and seriousness of the occasion. Saying that, I didn't get the result I wanted but I don't think dressing in pink and pretending to be someone I'm not would have changed anything.