Judge, attorneys and deputies discuss jail clothing, classification colors and clothing-exchange practice before bench proceedings

Before formal case proceedings, Judge Stephanie Boyd and courtroom participants discussed the court’s practice for bringing detained defendants to bench trials and the practicalities of clothing exchanges.

“Usually, when there’s a jury trial, the person is brought over dressed for trial… Normally, they say they don't have to necessarily be dressed for a bench trial because I’m the judge, I’m not going to… hold it against them that they’re in custody,” Judge Boyd said, explaining the courtroom's discretion on dress for bench proceedings. She described circumstances when a defendant would be allowed to be dressed for court even for a bench trial.

Judge Boyd then outlined local jail uniform classifications used when inmates are brought to court: orange for general population (sometimes orange with white stripes for lower-risk detainees who may work), tan for trustees, red for administration segregation or high-profile cases, blue for females in general population, and yellow or yellow-and-white stripes for pregnant detainees. She noted that defense counsel sometimes requests a court order for a clothing exchange when an appointed attorney believes a client lacks civilian clothes, but observed practical difficulties: someone must hold the exchanged clothing, and attorneys often rely on family members to complete the exchange.

The discussion emphasized practical courtroom logistics rather than any change in law or policy: the court retains discretion to permit dressed appearance for trial participants and to sign clothing-exchange orders when requested, but arranging exchanges often depends on family availability or counsel making local arrangements.