Do I Need an Attorney Even if I Am Pleading Guilty?

Posted by Corey L. Scott | Nov 26, 2021 | 0 Comments

“If I am innocent and have nothing to hide, do I still need an attorney?”

“If I already know I will be pleading guilty, do I still need an attorney?”

I get asked questions such as these regularly as a defense attorney. They are fair questions, as most people do not possess the same expertise of the legal system as a lawyer might. The average person, inexperienced in legal matters, might wonder what the purpose of getting a lawyer would be if they already plan on pleading guilty- what is the worst thing that could possibly happen?

The short answer is yes, without a doubt, you need an attorney. You still need an attorney if you plan on pleading guilty. You still need an attorney if you are innocent, and feel you have nothing to hide. If your situation is similar to either of these scenarios, and you are hesitant to hire legal counsel, trust me- you will need an experienced criminal defense attorney to help you navigate the system.

The process is not as simple as walking into the courthouse, saying what you have to say, and then being done with it. There are numerous procedures to contend with, hearings to be had, and potential agreements to be signed. It is likely that there will be language in those agreements that you may or may not understand. Legal terminology is so famously hard to comprehend that it is commonly referred to as, “legalese.” If you are planning on pleading guilty, or if you are completely innocent and have nothing to hide, the assistance of an attorney is still absolutely essential.

I'm Corey Scott. If you have any questions about this or anything else regarding defense matters, hit me up. I will be happy to help

About the Author

Corey L. Scott

Corey L. Scott, was born and raised in East Chicago, Indiana. Upon graduation from East Chicago Central High School, Corey attended Indiana State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology.  Upon graduation, Corey accepted a position with the Marion County Superior Court, Juvenile Division where he served with distinction for the next nine years, eventually being promoted to Director of the Youth Counseling Department. Pursuing his dream of becoming an attorney, Corey attended the Indiana University School of Law-Indianapolis.  While in law school, Corey was an Indiana Council on Legal Education Opportunity (ICLEO) fellow and participated in Moot Court competitions.  He also worked in the Marion Superior Court, Criminal Division as a bailiff and research assistant to the Honorable Tanya Walton Pratt, who serves as a Judge on the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana. Corey also served as an internship law clerk to the Honorable Judge, Margret G. Robb, at the Indiana Court of Appeals. Finally, upon graduation from law school, Corey had the distinct honor and privilege to serve as a law clerk to the Honorable Justice, Robert D. Rucker, who sits on the Indiana Supreme Court. Corey then became an associate with Mike Norris Law Office, where he specialized in bankruptcy law with a main concentration on working to assist families obtain a fresh start through Chapter 7 bankruptcy.  Still a young attorney, Corey then served as a public defender at the Marion County Public Defender Agency.  In this position, Corey gained invaluable trial experience by defending clients in a wide range of matters from misdemeanors to serious felonies on a daily basis.  It was also during this time that Corey discovered his passion for representing and serving "everyday people." An entrepreneur at heart, Corey established the Law Office of Corey L. Scott, P.C.  Since then, he and his staff have served the greater Indianapolis community and surrounding counties in several legal disciplines including: Bankruptcy, Criminal Defense and Family Law.  In keeping with his vision, Corey L. Scott, P.C., is a client focused, results oriented general law practice that endeavors to provide legal solutions for "everyday people" charged with a crime, dealing with financial crisis or going through a difficult divorce. Corey has also been active serving the greater Indianapolis community by participating in pro bono programs such as "Ask a Lawyer," the "Modest Means" panel program which allows individuals to afford legal counsel at a fraction of normal rates, Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic and the Heartland Pro Bono Council program. Corey is a proud member of the Indianapolis Bar Association, Indiana Bar Association, American Bar Association, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys.

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