A Utah criminal defendant, who wears glasses at a jury trial, is more likely to get a not guilty verdict if the crime is a violent crime, but he would be less likely to get a not guilty verdict if the crime involves fraud or theft.
The jury expert conducted research on the affect of wearing glasses for people charged with crimes. The jury expert discovered that wearing glasses increased the perception of “intelligence, dependability, industriousness and honesty.” Those that wore glasses were generally viewed as less threatening, which would be an advantage in crimes of violence, like robbery, kidnapping or assault. However, the advantages of wearing eyeglasses disappears for financial crimes, like mortgage fraud, securities fraud and theft.
A Utah criminal defendant who wears glasses in a fraud or swindle jury trial may be perceived as more intelligent and thus more likely to commit a white collar crime. In a financial crime a jury may determine that a defendant with glasses possesses smarts and skills necessary to carryout a white collar crime.
One of the more fascinating discoveries in the study was at an “attractive” defendant was more likely to rece
ive a not guilty verdict. In addition, attractive criminal defendants received lighter sentences and were punished less severely when they were convicted.
Check out the full article of the art and science behind Eyeglasses and Juror Decisions
