Does Hiring a Lawyer Make You Look Guilty? By Ryan Pacyga, Criminal Defense Attorney
One of the most common questions we get is this:
“If I’m accused of a crime, will it make me look guilty if I hire a lawyer?”
It’s a natural concern. Maybe the police have called you. They want a statement. They’ve asked you to come down to the station or talk with them in their squad car. And you’re thinking, “Wait—I haven’t done anything wrong. But will getting a lawyer make me look like I have?”
On one hand, you don’t want to make things worse. You don’t want to look suspicious. And maybe someone’s even told you, “If you didn’t do anything wrong, you don’t need a lawyer.”
But here’s the truth:
Getting a lawyer doesn’t make you look guilty. It makes you look smart.
Why Police May Discourage You From Getting a Lawyer
Police are trained to get people to talk—without a lawyer present. They know that the more time you have to think, the less likely you are to say something they can use. Their job is to investigate crime, not to protect your rights. And sometimes, they’ve already made up their mind about what they think happened. That can impact their objectivity.
So if they can talk to you without a lawyer involved, it’s easier for them to control the conversation—and potentially get a statement that hurts you, even if you’re innocent.
Even Police Officers Call a Lawyer
I’ve been a lawyer for over 22 years. I’ve represented police officers, judges, first responders, and even other lawyers. And guess what the very first thing most of them do when they’re under investigation?
They call a lawyer.
That’s right. The people who work inside the justice system know how it works—and they don’t take chances with their future.
So why shouldn’t you do the same?
You Have Rights—But You Also Need Protection
You might think you understand your rights. You’ve watched TV shows or read articles online. But there are so many myths out there. And when you’re under stress, you can’t be objective. That’s why there’s an old saying:
“A lawyer who represents himself has a fool for a client.”
When you’re being investigated, you need someone who isn’t emotionally involved—someone who can stay calm, make strategic decisions, and protect you from accidentally incriminating yourself.
Even if you’re ultimately going to be charged, involving a lawyer early on ensures you don’t make things worse. It’s about protecting your future.
Final Word on ‘Does Hiring a Lawyer Make You Look Guilty?’
Hiring a lawyer while you’re under investigation doesn’t mean you’re guilty.
It means you’re taking your situation seriously—just like any police officer, judge, or prosecutor would do if they were in your shoes.
If you have questions about a criminal investigation or want to talk to a defense attorney, I’m here to help.
📞 Call me at (612) 339-5844
🌐 Visit arrestedmn.com