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Scott C. Cox

Criminal defense Attorney at Louisville, KY

4.8   22 reviews
  • State Years
    Indiana - IN 1 year
    Ohio - OH 1 year
    Kentucky - KY 37 years
  • Licensed for 1 year
    State IN
    Acquired 2022
    Status
    Active In Good Standing No misconduct found
  • Licensed for 1 year
    State OH
    Acquired 2021
    Status
    Active No misconduct found
  • Licensed for 37 years
    State KY
    Acquired 1985
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Scott

Learn Scott’s areas of practice.

1
Practice area
  1. Criminal defense
    100%
    Mr. Cox concentrates his practice in federal and state criminal defense. He and his partner, Michael Mazzoli, also handle complex appellate matters in both state and federal courts.

    2,000 cases

Scott C. Cox and Michael Mazzoli are among Kentucky’s top criminal defense attorneys. Since the formation of the law firm of Cox & Mazzoli, PLLC in 2001, they have become one of the premier legal practices in the state of Kentucky focusing on criminal defense. They’ve both been recognized as standing in the top rank of their profession by such authoritative sources as Best Lawyers in America, Kentucky Super Lawyers, and Louisville Magazine.

 

Scott Cox was named in Best Lawyers as a pre-eminent criminal lawyer in 2008-2014.  Best Lawyers is the oldest and most respected criminal attorney peer review publication in the legal profession. A listing in Best Lawyers is widely regarded by both clients and legal professionals as a significant honor, conferred on a lawyer by his or her peers.

 

Scott Cox has also been recognized by Martindale-Hubbell as one of the best criminal attorneys in the United States. Mr. Cox has been rated AV by Martindale-Hubbell every year since 1996. This indicates that his peers consider him to be one of the best criminal lawyers in Kentucky and that he has the highest ethics. Mr. Cox was further recognized as one of the best criminal lawyers in America with his

induction in the American College of Trial Lawyers in 2011.

 

Cox & Mazzoli have secured extraordinary results in some of the Kentucky’s highest profile criminal cases. They emphasize legal services designed to prevent criminal charges from being filed. They have been successful in persuading investigators to drop charges against their clients, or to grant immunity to their clients. They frequently gain dismissal of formal charges before trial as well. And, if litigation is unavoidable, they excel as trial lawyers and appellate practitioners. They have won notice as being attorneys who are talented in front of a jury, as trial lawyers, and in front of a computer, as writers and researchers.

 

Scott and Mike handle cases in all federal jurisdictions nationwide, and all counties in Kentucky. They handle criminal cases arising under both state and federal law, and practice in both trial and appellate courts. They handle complex prosecutions and white collar crimes; mail and wire fraud; money laundering; major narcotics offenses; securities fraud; insider trading; tax evasion; health insurance fraud; bank fraud; mortgage and loan-related fraud; environmental crimes; maritime offenses; computer and internet crimes; and property forfeiture matters. Their skills have made them the attorneys for many Fortune 500 companies, including the world’s largest corporation; they have represented physicians, attorneys, law professors, and accountants; their clients have included judges, law enforcement officers, and elected officials.

 

Scott has been listed in the top fifty attorneys in Kentucky by Kentucky Super Lawyers, and was described as one of city’s top two criminal defense attorneys by Louisville's Courier-Journal. In United States v. Heath, Scott won reversal of a conviction on Fourth Amendment grounds; in United States v. Sadolsky, he set national precedent for treating gambling addiction as a ground for reducing a federal defendant’s sentence; in United States v. Payne, he secured the reversal of a conviction on the grounds that parole officers illegally searched the client’s property. In one case, Scott won a judgment acquitting his client, and then successfully forced the United States government to pay the client’s attorney fees. As Assistant United States Attorney, Scott led the investigation and prosecution of several national-profile kidnapping cases, and came to national attention for bringing murderer Mel Ignatow to justice. Mike was named one of the top five criminal defense attorneys in Louisville in 2007 (Louisville Magazine), has been listed in Kentucky Super Lawyers  two years in a row, and is named in Best Lawyers in America. He was the lead attorney for oral argument, and the author of one of the principal briefs, in United States v. Rice, a leading wiretap case in the Sixth United States Circuit Court of Appeals. He won the appeal in United States v. Cherry, in which Sixth Circuit upheld one of the largest reductions of a prison sentence ever awarded in the circuit. He won before the state Supreme Court in Reyes v. Hardin County, a case involving the limits of sovereign immunity. As Assistant United States Attorney between 1994 and 1999, Mike was trial attorney in successful prosecution of Belle of Louisville sinking; was chief of forfeiture division; and worked in all of the sections of office’s criminal division (fraud, drugs, and general crimes).

 

Mr. Cox is a graduate of the Department of Justice's Trial Advocacy Course and the Department's course on Federal Grand Jury Practice.  He has attended seminars on money laundering in Los Angeles and Federal Evidence in St. Petersburg, Florida.

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Contact Scott

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Scott C. Cox
600 West Main Street
Suite 300
Louisville, KY, 40202

Reviews

4.8 / 5.0
  22 customer reviews
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Posted by Todd Cherry | February 16, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Expert representation
Scott Cox and one of his partners have represented two of my close family members On both occasions we achieved excellent results from Scott's expertise.
Posted by anonymous | July 9, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
My Man
We have hired Scott multiple times, never had a bad result, and we don’t snitch. I got swung upon and I punched someone in the eye with a lit cigarette; $100 fine and no contact for 60 days; an infraction. Scott got me an expungement as quick a jimmy johns could get me a sandwich on a case that I didn’t think was able to be expunged. You get what you pay for. A former federal prosecutor shouldn’t be cheap, but he’s good. If he seems a little higher than the last ignorant you called, there is a reason. Mounting a good legal defense sometimes takes a lot of resources that Scott has at his fingertips. If he isn’t the best at something, he gets the best for you and is smart enough to realize when you need to get another expert involved and humble enough to tell you. Stand up guy; and I like him. Big brain. He had no need to reference much, he has so much experience that he knows the law as well as any attorney I’ve ever used in my 50+ appearances in Jefferson district court. If you think you’re screwed and your going to prison, don’t let some idiot drop the ball. Scott doesn’t miss a beat; his results in federal court speak for themselves and his reputation in Jefferson district and circuit court is second to none. The prosecutors know who they are up against when he walks in the room. I’ve seen the respect he gets. If you have the money, hire Scott, If not, get the money. A lawyer that cost half as much that only messes parts of you case up can only cost you years of your freedom (what’s that worth to you). This guy beats federal cases. Check out their conviction rate. Fed charges were brought on a great local lawyer for income tax evasion, he hired Scott to represent him. If you find yourself on 9th street in Louisville Kentucky in court, either get Scott or save your $ for noodles and phone calls in the extra 10 years in prison the public defender will get you.
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Posted by Fred | September 24, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best Criminal Defense Attorney
I would highly recommend Scott Cox to anyone seeking counsel. He is very passionate and dedicated to his clients/cases. He made me feel really confident in my choice of representation. I’m highly satisfied with the outcome of my case.
Posted by anonymous | September 5, 2018
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Criminal Defense!
Best criminal defense lawyer in the city! Very assertive, strict and loyal. As long as you work with him, he’ll work with you!!
Posted by anonymous | September 4, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
DUI case
Scott Cox is one of the top criminal defense lawyers in Louisville, KY and it shows in his practice. I was charged with a DUI in which Scott was kind enough to work my case for free. I am currently half way through the 2 year diversion program! He is quite passionate about his work, very kind, dedicated and very easy to communicate with. He explains all information thoroughly which is why I recommend him 100%.
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Posted by anonymous | March 23, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Criminal Defense
I was charged and indicted with a serious assault case and Scott took my case on short notice and handled it as if were is own personal attack on his life, had the charge. Amended to a simple misdemeanor, very through and professional explained every process and keep you in loop, I would highly recommend Scott to anyone who seeks the best representation. Thank you !
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Posted by anonymous | February 15, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
criminal defense
I hired Scott C. Cox as my lawyer in a federal drug case, I was looking at several years in prison , he got me 6 months home detention , 2 years probation I highly recommend him , he's very passionate,respectful to he,s clients needs he,s the best lawyer I ever used by far a world class lawyer fighting for you
Posted by Jason | February 6, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Criminal fefense
My fiances case was litteraly dropped in his lap mins before she had to appear , and he took over , very proffesional and friendly he explains clearly what his gonna do and does it !! thank you Scott for everything !!
Posted by anonymous | January 1, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
stood up for me and is blunt but effective
scott was referred to me by a friend who highly recommended him. and even though my situation was not going to bring him thousands of dollars he was willing to help me out with something minor. you may not like what he has to say but he is honest and real. and he is loyal to his clients and is willing to lend a listening ear even if it's just 20 seconds of advice. very smart but like i said effective and protective. he will not let anyone on any side take advantage of you or get you in an uncomfortable position. oh....and if you are wanting to bring facts that you have researched about the law, bring your resource and don't say you just looked some stuff up on the internet.....just a little advice. my go to lawyer now and highly recommended....also can give references of good lawyers in other states if that comes up
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Posted by Brad Huddleston | November 16, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Did the impossible
I was new to the area and originally hired a well-advertised lawyer. She claimed getting my expungement done early was impossible. So I asked around and was given Mr. Cox number, he worked hard and got the impossible done. I recommend hiring him I just wish I had hired him from the start. Satisfied costumer
Posted by Michael | September 22, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Legal Jedi
I was referred to Scott via a very good friend of mine and will never be able to pay back that favor. From day one Scott helped me navigate a very messy legal situation without losing a shred of composure. He had complete control over the situation at all junctures. He was able to inform me on every step of the way of what to expect and was never wrong I've never felt so prepared. I will always recommend Scott in the future to my friends.
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Posted by Katie | January 7, 2015
Best Criminal Defense Lawyer
I highly recommend Mr. Cox to any person, friend or loved one facing federal charges. Federal charges are complicated, broad in spectrum, and accompany long sentences. Mr. Cox and his co-counsels are enthusiastic advocates for their clients. His expertise in criminal law is coupled with extreme compassion and intense determination that never loses steam - from start to finish and beyond. Mr. Cox has saved our family. He can and will preserve one's liberty.
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Posted by Donald | October 23, 2014
Criminal Case
I was involved in a federal criminal case and Scott C. Cox represented me in that case. He was very professional and the case was dismissed before going to trial
Posted by BILL | October 20, 2014
EXCELLENT CRIMINAL ATTORNEY
Scott represented me in a professional licensing hearing at the state capital in Frankfort, KY. He and his partner prepared a thorough and persuasive brief. They kept in regular contact with me and had me totally prepared for the hearing. Scott's demeanor and professionalism displayed in the hearing was impressive. The state ruled in my favor and it was vital for my career. Thanks to Scott, I was able to continue in my profession. I recommend Scott to anyone I know who seeks the best in criminal representation. Scott also represented my son in possession and paraphernalia charges. He was able through diligent work, knowledge of the law, and getting to know my son to get his charges lowered to misdemeanors. As a result, my son has been able to continue on a path of recovery and get his life back together.
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Posted by anonymous | October 9, 2014
The Lion King of Lawyers
Scott Cox is a former federal prosecutor. I came to know him as a defense attorney while I served as a felony prosecutor. As a courtroom adversary Scott is always well-prepared and calmly aggressive in representation of his clients with a confident and charming demeanor that brings him great success whether he is arguing before a judge or a jury. He is, at trial, a formidable opponent. Scott Cox has earned the trust and respect of judges, prosecutors and defense attorneys through thirty years of successful work in the courtrooms of this Commonwealth -- both state and federal courts. When I found myself wrongly accused and in need of representation it was to Scott Cox I turned. I saw first hand the thoroughness with which he explores the facts of the case and circumstances that influence those facts. Because of his former service as a federal prosecutor, Scott sees such matters as a prosecutor and law enforcement officers would view them. Using those talents for me Scott obtained a dismissal of the charges and an expungement of the record. Quite literally he saved my professional life. While representing me, Scott was readily available to answer my questions about the process. He quickly and efficiently responded to my concerns and made sure that I knew the status of my case and the strategy for success that he was utilizing in my behalf. He was also very candid with me throughout the process, he made certain that I had a clear understanding of what was happening and what was likely to happen next and at each step he was correct and we were prepared. Understand that when Scott picks up the phone and calls a prosecutor -- state or federal -- his call is taken immediately. When he asks a question he gets clear answers because he has the trust and respect of the person on the other end of the call. Scott has a broad network of attorneys who specialize in every area of practice who call upon him for consultation and upon whom he calls for the same. Those resources are used for his clients to obtain the most favorable result possible. It is also my observation as his adversary and as his client that Scott Cox has the respect of the judges before whom he practices. Those judges clearly know that if he makes a statement to the court about the facts or law of the case that statement is reliable. Such a reputation is developed over years and decades. Such a reputation serving your legal interest is priceless. When the stakes are high and you need the best criminal defense available Scott Cox is the man to see. There is none better.
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Posted by anonymous | October 8, 2014
Outstanding Federal Criminal Defense Attorney
I retained Scott after an extensive search for an attorney that I felt would represent me as fairly as possible in connection with a significant white collar Federal Criminal case. Ultimately I retained Scott and dismissed my then current counsel since I thought he would better represent me in Federal Court due to his extensive Federal criminal law experience. I was not disappointed and very pleased with his representation. I was facing a significant prison sentence after being charged with Tax Fraud and Scott was able to successfully show the Judge that a sentence of Probation was a more appropriate sentence. I definitely would recommend Scott to anyone facing Federal Criminal charges! His partner Mike also worked on my case with him and I was very pleased with him as well.
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Posted by john | October 8, 2014
great lawyer
i was charged in fedral court several years ago for drug trafficking. mr cox represented me at trial and i was found not guilty on all charges. mr cox saved my life!
Posted by Dennis | October 7, 2014
Fair, Honest, First Class Attorney
I was federally indicted on 3 felony counts of receiving stolen property, and interstate commerce. I was indicted along with 9 other people. The other 9 people were found guilty, or took plea bargains. Mr. Cox took my case, and got me a NOT GUILTY verdict by taking my case to trial. He is a first class act, and I would highly recommend him to anyone who wants an attorney that is willing to go all the way to fight for justice.
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Posted by Steve | October 7, 2014
In my opion the best defense attorney's in the the state of Kentucky
Scott C. Cox represented me in a case where I accidently carried a gun onto a plane. He negotiated the civil fine down substantially with the TSA, but that was the easy part. He also stuck by my side when the defense was ready to throw the book at me. He argued my case through one mistrial then two appeals and finally a not guilty verdict for my behalf. I would highly recommend him and his practice to anyone facing some legal issues. He was always informative, gave me his personal cell phone number in case I needed to get a hold of him for any reason, and always assured me that everything was going to be all right. He seemed to be very well connected among his peers, and his courtroom etiquette is second to none. I not only felt like I had a great attorney in my corner but a friend and that meant a lot to me.
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Posted by anonymous | October 7, 2014
Highly Recommend
Scott Cox is an excellent attorney that I highly recommend to anyone looking for an attorney to defend them or just provide legal advice. He is very knowledgeable and is fierce in the courtroom. I was charged with a DUI and reckless driving. I had never been in trouble before and had many extenuating circumstances surrounding my case. Mr. Cox was recommended to me by a friend who is also a criminal defense attorney. I met with him one afternoon to discuss my case and knew instantly I wanted him to represent me. Once Scott agreed to take my case, I never had to worry about a thing. He took care of it all and kept me informed throughout the entire process. Together he and I decided that we would go to trial and defend my innocence. At trial he was very impressive. I was found Not Guilty and all charges were dropped. After I was found not guilty, Mr. Cox took the extra step to ensure my record was expunged so that the charges were erased from my record. He was helpful throughout my entire experience and I consider him second to none. Mr. Cox is a pleasure to work with.
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 60 minutes
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Partner
  • Cox & Mazzoli, PLLC
  • 1994 - Present

Education

  • University of Louisville
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1985
  • University of Kentucky
  • BS - Bachelor of Science
  • 1981

Legal Cases

  • United States v. Dennis Ray Johnson, Jr., 2:12-CR-48-DLB
  • Not guilty verdict on all counts. All eight co-defendants pled guilty and four testified against our client at trial.
  • Turley v. Commonwealth, 2011-SC-000276-MR
  • Client’s 20 year sentence vacated and client released from state prison.
  • United States v. Canal Barge Company, Inc., 4:07-CR-00012-JHM
  • Directed verdict of acquittal at close of proof.
View all legal cases

Associations

  • American College of Trial Lawyers
  • Fellow
  • 2011 - Present
  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Member
  • 1994 - Present
  • Kentucky Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Lifetime Member
  • 1994 - Present
  • Federal Bar Association
  • Past President
  • 1987 - Present
  • Kentucky Academy of Justice
  • Member
  • 1987 - Present
  • Kentucky Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1985 - Present
  • Louisville Bar Association
  • Member, Board of Directors
  • 1985 - Present
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Super Lawyer
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2009
  • Tier One
  • Best Lawyers
  • 2003
  • AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 1997

Publications

  • Bar Briefs
  • The Role of the United States Attorney's Office in Kentucky
  • 1990

Speaking Engagements

  • Monthly Meeting
  • Federal Sentencing
  • 2013
  • CLE
  • Mail Fraud
  • 2003
  • Kentucky Chapter, Federal Bar Association
  • White Collar Crime
  • 2001
  • Kentucky Bar Association CLE
  • Federal Sentencing Guidelines
  • 2000
  • Louisville Bar Association, Criminal Law Section
  • Federal Criminal Law
  • 1997
  • Kentucky Bar Association Continuing Legal Education
  • Federal Criminal Law
  • 1988
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (9)
Given (8)
Endorse Scott
Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. One of the best lawyers in the country. Hands down. A true mentor to me."
White collar crime Attorney | Mar 25
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I tried a lengthy federal criminal case in Louisville with Scott Cox, who represented a major co-defendant. I quickly learned that Scott was a truly outstanding lawyer, highly respected by Judges, prosecutors, and other Louisville attorneys. His knowledge, preparation, ethics and courtroom talents were exemplary, and his reputation as one of the finest criminal defense lawyers in Kentucky is richly deserved. I would not hesitate to retain him for a family member or friend."
Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 21
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. He is a tough trial attorney, always prepared and very thorough."
Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Whether its state or federal court, Scott Cox is as respected as they come. When you simply need the most talented, the best connected, and the hardest working, you start with Scott Cox. As a former prosecutor, take my word on that."
Criminal defense Attorney | May 08
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Scott Cox is one of most respected criminal defense attorneys in Kentucky. Mr. Cox should be your first telephone call if you are looking for representation in a serious criminal matter in any Kentucky state or federal court."
Criminal defense Attorney | Nov 06
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have known Scott for over 25 years. We have had codefendants in a number of cases. He is a top notch criminal defense lawyer and I endorse him."
Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 22
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Scott is an experienced and highly respected lawyer in Louisville and in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. He was an accomplished and fair Federal Court prosecutor. He has consistently obtained outstanding results for his clients as a criminal defense advocate for many years since entering private practice."
Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 08
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Scott is the best criminal defense attorney in Kentucky. He is knowledgeable in all areas of criminal law and is an aggressive advocate for his clients. Bottom line is he gets great results for his clients."
Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 01
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked with Scott on dozens of criminal cases in federal court and state court for over 20 years. He is an excellent criminal defense attorney in this are."
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Criminal defense
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Louisville Criminal defense Lawyer Scott C. Cox
Scott C. Cox
Criminal defense Attorney
Louisville, KY
Licensed for 37 years
Free Consultation