Fairness. Dignity. Efficiency.
Why This Matters
Most people never see it, but the process for exchanging civilian clothes for people in custody before a trial is messy, inconsistent, and often dehumanizing.
Families must drop off clothing under strict rules, usually far in advance, and clothes sometimes get rejected or misplaced because of staffing shortages or procedural gaps. When that happens, a defendant may appear in jail attire in front of a jury — something the U.S. Supreme Court has recognized can undermine the presumption of innocence.
Or, in a multi-day trial, the defendant can be in the same clothes, day after day, a clear giveaway that this person is not free to change outfits and must be in county custody.
This isn’t about comfort.
This is about fair trials, human dignity, and courtroom efficiency.
A cleaner, clearer system helps defendants, attorneys, deputies, and the courts — and it prevents unnecessary delays for everyone involved.
How Other Jurisdictions Handle This
Across the country, many court systems and public defender offices have adopted simple, commonsense practices that work:
1. Trial Clothing Closets
Some offices maintain a supply of clean, appropriate civilian clothing so clients don’t rely solely on family members for suits, shirts, dresses, and shoes. This ensures no one appears before a jury in jail attire simply because they have no access to clothing.
2. Multiple Outfits for Multi-Day Trials
Other jurisdictions allow attorneys or families to drop off several outfits at once. Staff inspect and store them in an organized system so a defendant has clean, appropriate attire for each trial day.
3. Private, On-Site Changing Areas
Instead of requiring clothes to be exchanged only at the jail, some systems allow attorneys to bring clothing directly to the courthouse. Defendants can change in a private holding area before entering the courtroom.
4. Streamlined, Dignity-Centered Policies
Best practice policies emphasize accepting compliant clothing with minimal delay, using logs or barcodes to track items, and reducing barriers that can unintentionally prejudice a jury.
These models show that small administrative changes can create significant improvements for everyone in the courtroom.
Policy Proposals for Bexar County
1. A Clear, Uniform Clothing-Exchange Procedure that includes Courthouse Drop-Offs
A single, written policy — shared with attorneys, families, judges, and deputies — specifying:
- Where and when clothing can be dropped off
- What types of clothing are permitted
- How clothing is inspected and approved
- How long clothing is stored and who returns it
Consistency reduces confusion, delays, and frustration for all involved.
2. Dedicated Storage and Tracking within the Courthouse
Create a secure, organized system for storing trial clothes:
- Clothing labeled by defendant name and cause number
- Storage grouped by trial date
- Simple checkout logs or barcode scanning
This prevents lost items, last-minute searches, and unnecessary interruptions to court proceedings.
3. Courthouse Changing Rooms
Designate a private space near the court holding areas where defendants can change into civilian clothing on the morning of trial.
This saves deputies time, reduces morning delays, and ensures dignity.
4. A Multi-Day Trial Clothing Option
For trials lasting several days:
- Allow three to five pre-approved outfits to be submitted at once
- Store them securely for the duration of trial
- Return them promptly to the family or attorney after trial
This removes constant logistical hurdles from already overstretched families and staff.
5. A Community Clothing Closet (Optional, Donor-Supported)
Partner with defense organizations, nonprofits, and faith communities to maintain a supply of professional attire for defendants who have no clothing of their own.
No taxpayer expense — but a major benefit to fairness and perception.
6. Attorney & Family Information Sheet
A one-page instructions sheet available in multiple languages showing:
- Drop-off deadlines
- Permitted clothing
- Contact information
- What to expect
Giving people the rules up front avoids confusion and protects court schedules.
The Goal
These reforms cost little, increase courtroom efficiency, reduce delays, and protect the dignity of people awaiting trial.
Most importantly, they uphold the foundation of our justice system:
The presumption of innocence and the belief that everyone deserves a fair and impartial trial.