Gerrard Kaonga
It kind of goes without saying, don’t break the law. BUT if you do find yourself in police custody and they are taking your mugshot, try not to smile, it really could cost you.
Most people are law-abiding citizens, so don’t really have to worry about this advice, as they will never be in a situation where they have been arrested and police are taking their mugshot.
But for those that do find themselves in this situation for unpaid parking fines to attempts at world domination and everything in between, one smirk or smile could make the whole situation worse.
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A lawyer made a TikTok video that has done the rounds on social media and explained why you should never smile if you're getting your mug shot taken.
Lawyer @AttorneyPish used a mug shot of a woman to explain his point, claiming she had been arrested after a DUI accident which led to someone's death.
Referring to the woman's big smile in the image, Pish said: "Does this look like a woman who is remorseful for the crime she committed, that ended up killing someone?"
The lawyer urged viewers to think about who will be seeing the mug shot, and the conclusions they could draw by seeing a smiling face.
"The jury is going to absolutely hate you... and by the way that woman is a real person, and she was sentenced to 11 years in prison," the attorney said.
Another attorney shared their own concerns after he heard some bad advice on the radio, where listeners were advised to smile in their mug shot snaps because the photo 'stays on the internet forever'.
"I was just on my way to my office and the radio DJ I was listening to made some comment about how you should smile in your mugshot because this picture will live on the internet forever," @AttorneyTom said.
"That is the worst advice I've ever heard and let me tell you why."
Tom used himself as an example this time, sharing a fake mug shot of himself pulling a wide grin.
"Does this look like someone who is sorry? Who is remorseful for what they just did? Despite the fact they could have killed or injured somebody?" he asked.
"No. They are smiling. This is why this case matters. This is why we are seeking the maximum sentence."
Just something to keep in mind if you find yourselves in this situation.