Stop Worrying About Looking Guilty and Do This Instead!

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

Can looking good cause you to be found guilty?

During my experience as a defense attorney, I have spoken with countless individuals who have been found guilty and convicted of a crime. Over the course of these conversations I have discovered a valuable, if contradictory, truth. A truth which I would like to share with all of you.

These conversations often take place while we are preparing for something and reviewing their case together.  We will be talking and going over the case, and I will pose the question, “How did this happen? Why did you talk to the police? Why did you make that confession? Why didn't you take the time to bother to explain this or that?” They will respond with, “Mr. Scott, the only reason why I did it is because if I would have said, ‘No you can't search the car,' I would have looked guilty.” Or, “If I refused to talk to the police and demanded I speak with my attorney, I would have seemed guilty!

In other words, looking good led them to be found guilty. 

Out of a fear of looking guilty, these people made decisions that they thought would demonstrate their innocence. Believing that cooperating would make them look good, they might have consented to a search or given a statement to police. Even though they were trying to be helpful and cooperative, they were still ultimately found guilty.

The bottom line and what I'd like you to take away from this, is that it is better to look guilty than to be found guilty. Ask yourself this- who cares if you look guilty by not consenting to a search? I don't care about that and you should not either. Imagine if you were to say, “I understand you are doing your job, but I do not consent to searches,” to a police officer. If the outcome is that your car is not searched, and as a result, something is not found in your car, then who cares about how you look?

If you find yourself in a situation where you can either exercise your right to remain silent or give up that right in an attempt to look good, the choice should be a no brainer. Exercise your right and don't worry about how it looks. Sometimes looking good can cause you to be found guilty, and it is always better to look guilty than to be convicted and found guilty.

My name is Corey Scott. If I can be of any further help, please call me at 317-634-0101. Take great care.

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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