7 Secrets for Staying Out of the “Revolving Doors” of the Criminal Justice System

SECRET #1: Do not “party” or “hang out” with people that you know have been in trouble with the law in the past, or who have anger or alcohol problems that could “set them off”. This is particularly true of younger clients. One bad apple starts some trouble, and you may end up being charged as an accomplice just because you were there. Believe me, it happens all the time.

SECRET #2: Do not travel with or associate with people that you know frequent carry drugs on their persons or in their vehicles.

SECRET #3: If in a motor vehicle, be sure that all of your safety equipment—brake lights, headlights, etc., are in working order. Most traffic stops and subsequent arrests begin with a traffic stop for faulty equipment of a traffic violation like speeding.

SECRET #4: Try to avoid driving at night, especially if you’ve been drinking. There are fewer cars on the road at night, and the odds of being stopped by the police are much higher.

SECRET #5: Do not associate with or travel with people whom you know habitually carry firearms.

SECRET #6: It seems simple to say but -- DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE, PERIOD! If busted for DUI, you will lose your license and these cases are almost impossible to win at trial because of the BAC Datamaster.

SECRET #7: Don’t attend clubs or establishments where frequent problems are known to occur. A stupid argument inside a club often can result in fights or even gunfire in the parking lot afterwards. You are less likely to get dragged into trouble if you stay away from trouble spots.