Experts say THIS is the reason you shouldn't smile in your mugshot if you are arrested

Publish date: 2024-06-03

A lawyer has taken to the platform to explain why you should never smile in a custody mugshot. 

Narimon Pishnamaz, partner at injury trial law firm Law & Pish, based in California, used the example of Angenette Marie Missett to make his point, who famously smiled in her mugshot before being sentenced to 11 years in prison for killing a mother of three in a car crash. 

In the clip posted on YouTube under his moniker @AttorneyPish, he asks viewers to imagine if they smiled in a mugshot which was then presented to a jury, who were asked if the person looks remorseful.

'The jury is absolutely going to hate you if they see that you smiled in your mugshot after you just killed someone,' he said.

A photo of Angenette Marie Missett went viral when she was seen smiling in her mugshot

A photo of Angenette Marie Missett went viral when she was seen smiling in her mugshot 

Despite her pleas, a judge sentenced Missett to 11 years in prison at the hearing

Despite her pleas, a judge sentenced Missett to 11 years in prison at the hearing

Speaking on YouTube alongside a smiling photo of Missett, Pishnamaz said: 'So imagine you get arrested like this woman did for a DUI that ended up killing someone.

'And imagine if they put this mugshot up during trial and ask the jury if this looks like a woman who is remorseful for the crime she committed.'

He warned it could lead to a longer sentence, continuing: 'As a result this woman ended up getting 11 years in prison.'

Missett sparked fury when the photo of her smiling went viral in 2018, and a new mugshot was taken. 

Missett had a new mugshot taken after her charge was upgraded to manslaughter

Missett had a new mugshot taken after her charge was upgraded to manslaughter

She was charged with driving under the influence after she killed a mother, 60, and injured her daughter, 18, when she slammed into the back of their vehicle on the highway in Marion County, Florida, causing the vehicle to crash into a trailer truck in front of it.

The crush injured eighteen-year-old Shiyanna Kroll but her mother Sandra Clarkson, 60, suffered critical injuries and died days later.

Police said Missett's blood alcohol content was .172, more than twice the legal limit. 

After pleading no contest to manslaughter, Missett, who also goes by her maiden name Welk, faced a minimum of four years in prison and a maximum of 15 years. 

'I am truly, truly sorry and if I could change spots with your mother I would in a heartbeat. I am sorry. I am sorry. I am truly, truly sorry,' Missett said before she was sentenced. 

Judge Steven Rogers ended up handing down the sentence of 11 years

Singer Justin Bieber also famously smiled when he was arrested in Miami, Florida, in 2014

Singer Justin Bieber also famously smiled when he was arrested in Miami, Florida, in 2014

Lindsay Lohan was arrested in 2010 for violating her probation Shia LaBeouf was arrested for refusing to leave a Walgreens store after being asked by security

Lindsay Lohan was arrested in 2010 for violating her probation and Shia LaBeouf was arrested at a Chicago Walgreens in November 2007 when he refused to leave the story after security asked him to more than once.

An array of celebrities also famously smiled in their mugshots - including Justin Bieber, who grinned after he was arrested for drunk driving and resisting arrest in 2014. 

Singer Justin Bieber also famously smiled in his mugshot when he was arrested in 2014 for drunk driving and resisting arrest while allegedly drag racing in Miami.

He was released the same day and $2,500 bail was posted.

But he was not the only celebrity who smiled after he was arrested. 

Among other arrests, Lindsay Lohan was arrested in 2010 for violating her probation.

Paris Hilton was arrested in 2006 for a DUI, and then in 2007 for violating her probation for a previous traffic offense by knowingly driving without a valid license. 

Paris Hilton was arrested in 2006 for a DUI, and then in 2007 for violating her probation

Paris Hilton was arrested in 2006 for a DUI, and then in 2007 for violating her probation

Reality TV star Khloe Kardashian was arrested for a DUI in 2007 Nicole Ritchie was arrested for driving under the influence of drugs

Reality TV star Khloe Kardashian was arrested for a DUI in 2007 and Nicole Ritchie was arrested for driving under the influence of drugs

Singer Bruno Mars was arrested in Las Vegas in September 2010 for possession of cocaine

Singer Bruno Mars was arrested in Las Vegas in September 2010 for possession of cocaine

Actor Shia LaBeouf was arrested at a Chicago Walgreens in November 2007 when he refused to leave the story after security asked him to more than once.

Reality TV star Khloe Kardashian was arrested for a DUI in 2007, while singer Bruno Mars was arrested in Las Vegas in September 2010 for possession of cocaine.

Nicole Ritchie was arrested for driving under the influence of drugs in 2007 and sentenced to four days in jail. She was released after just 82 minutes. 

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