There is a hit TV program called "What Not to Wear" that takes people from sloppy dressers to fashion savvy dressers. It sounds like there could be a new edition of the show devoted to helping defendants in criminal cases dress themselves in order to impress a judge, or at least not completely shock him.

This idea comes up because of a recent report that a Florida drug trafficking defendant appeared at his hearing wearing what most mothers would tell their child to take off before leaving the house. The defendant reportedly wore a sweatshirt with cartoons that show how to make crack cocaine.

According to sources, the colorful sweatshirt had cartoon images of the manufacturing process of the illegal drug. When someone is in court because of his alleged involvement with illegal drugs, one would assume that wearing a sweatshirt depicting related illegal activity to court is an obvious fashion faux pas.

The young man's criminal defense attorney reminds critics that his client was simply exercising his right to freedom of speech. The judge apparently didn't comment on the controversial sweatshirt, and sources do not report on the details of the drug trafficking case or the particular hearing where the sweatshirt made its appearance.

Free speech and self-expression are extremely important rights that we can all exercise. But there are serious moments in our lives, like when we are charged with a crime, for example, when choosing our battles can be in the best interest of our futures. If you or someone you know has any doubt about how to best represent himself in court, an experienced criminal defense attorney can give you helpful advice.

Source

ABC News: "Florida Drug Suspect Wore Crack Jacket to His Court Hearing," Ashton Marra, Jan. 9, 2012