What’s the dress code for Zoom court appearances in Texas? What to know
.png "A Detroit, Michigan, judge reacted when a police officer appeared on a Zoom hearing with no pants.")
A recent viral Zoom court hearing in Detroit got national attention after a police officer appeared on camera without pants, leaving the judge stunned and social media buzzing.
It’s not the first time virtual court decorum has made headlines since the pandemic, when video hearings became more prevalent across the country.
But while moments like this might seem funny online, courts don’t take them lightly.
Judges in Texas have made it clear that virtual court is still real court, and showing up in casual or inappropriate attire can have serious consequences.
Here’s what to know.
Is there a dress code for Zoom court appearances in Texas?
Yes. Texas courts require the same professional dress code for virtual hearings as they do for in-person appearances.
According to statewide court guidance and the Texas Courts of Appeals, participants are expected to wear business or business casual attire.
You’re expected to dress neatly, as if you were attending a job interview or standing before a judge in person.
Judges across the state can remove participants or postpone hearings if they appear on camera without proper attire, since virtual court is treated as real court under Texas law.
What should I wear to a virtual court hearing?
You should dress in professional and conservative clothing. The Texas Courts of Appeals defines appropriate courtroom attire as:
- A business suit or dress
- A skirt with a blouse or sweater
- Tailored slacks with a professional shirt
- A sport coat with a collared shirt and tie
Solid, neutral colors such as navy, black, or gray are best. Avoid busy patterns or flashy jewelry that could distract from your testimony or statements.
What should I avoid wearing?
Judges have seen it all, from pajamas and tank tops to people logging in shirtless. But that kind of casual dress can get you removed from a hearing.
Avoid:
- T-shirts, tank tops or athletic wear
- Shorts, miniskirts or crop tops
- Pajamas or lounge clothes
- Sandals or flip-flops
- Hats, caps or sunglasses
- Gang-related, offensive or revealing clothing
Showing up like you’re lounging at home can make it seem like you’re not taking the process seriously.
In extreme cases, if your attire could be seen as indecent exposure, a judge could issue fines or even jail time.
Can I really go to jail for showing up to Zoom court in the wrong clothes?
It’s rare, but judges do have the power to find you in contempt of court for violating courtroom rules, including dress code expectations.
That can lead to penalties such as fines or jail time.
- Contempt of court: Violating courtroom rules can result in fines of up to $500 or up to six months in county jail, according to Texas law.
- Postponement: A judge may delay your case until you return appropriately dressed.
- Removal from hearing: You could be kicked out of the virtual courtroom and required to reappear later.
- Jail time for indecent exposure: If your attire crosses into indecent exposure, which is classified as a Class B misdemeanor in Texas, you could face up to 180 days in jail and fines up to $2,000, according to Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers. A second offense can bring up to a year in jail.
In short, you probably won’t be jailed for wearing a hoodie, but appearing on camera in something inappropriate or revealing can carry real legal consequences.
