[INDENT]As many players of Meep are young adults, becoming young adults, or might have a while to go, I'd like to share some advice, experience, and a little guidance. Hopefully I can help at least one person out there.[/INDENT]

Now I'm not claiming to be flawless, and I'm not claiming to have the most extensive criminal record out there either, however, I have had a couple altercations with the law. For now though, let's leave it at that.

I'd like to start out with a warning. A couple years ago, my older brother was of college age, and of course, dabbling with parties as we all do. He'd had a little too much to drink, and when the police were called by neighbors (as so frequently happens when you get too loud), he was asked to step into the, front yard. He complied of course and was slammed with a public intoxication charge.

If you didn't know, there are two main types of charge classes; misdemeanors and felonies, the latter being reserved for the more serious of crimes. Now, there are a couple sub-classes, Class I, Class II... so on.
Let's focus on misdemeanors. These are common, petty, not-as-serious crimes. Alcohol, minor theft, traffic violations. The less severe, the higher the class, kind of an inverted system.
:blackeye:Class IV- minor :grumpy:Class III- moderate
:hurting:Class II- hefty
:hungover:Class I- severe
So here he is, sitting with a Class 4 misdemeanor, which constitutes a fine of UP TO $250
That's alright now, only $250, no jail. So why am I telling you?

My brother didn't tell my parents. :banghead::facepalm:
Sure if you commit some stupid crime like that, they'll be pissed, who wouldn't?
But what he didn't know that if you pay the fine you admit guilt.

On your record that charge shows for a couple years, if you apply for a clearance for any federal job, it will be there forever. YOU DO NOT WANT CHARGES ON YOUR RECORD:stop:
Your parents are there to assist you and make your journey through life a lot less difficult. Your parents will know what to do in case of legal trouble, and if not they will find out what to do.
Did you know? If you commit an act and get caught, you can still get out of the punishments.:jawdrop::D

I will give you two cases to have reference to.
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3.am TIMES SQUARE 6 DEC 4
Unfamiliar with the laws of New York City, I was riding the 6 train out of Manhattan back to my Ft. with two mates. I had a 6-inch spring assist knife on me, clip exposed as to not have it concealed. I did not know that knives altogether are prohibited in NYC. This is legally called Mistake of Law, and while being a defense, it will almost never get a charge dropped or reduced.

So I was swiftly pulled of the train by an undercover, to whom I wholeheartedly complied.
DO NOT RESIST OFFICERS they will beat you into submission and then you have a whole 'nother list of fancy charges.
Long story short, it was a Class I misdemeanor*; possession of a deadly weapon, thankfully nothing more. *Class I is punishable by UP TO 1 year in jail and/or $2,500 fine. :greedy:

[INDENT]The critical difference in my case vs my brother's was that I asked my parents for help. I had no idea what to do, I was in a holding cell for god knows how long, and I refused my phone call because it was 3 am. The cop bought my Chinese food which was great, they have to offer you food.[/INDENT]

[INDENT][INDENT]Anyhow, my parents assisted me in finding a lawyer and not only did I skip out on jail time, in exchange for 3 full days of community service and 6 months probation, I got my charge expunged. Expunged means it's off my records for good (except federal jobs, again, they see everything).[/INDENT][/INDENT]

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Another case I've had to deal with was one of speeding.
How much was I speeding? 81 in a 55 zone.
Reckless speeding, Class I misdemeanor. Again. :meh:
Why? Well I was late for a class but the why doesn't matter unless you're bleeding out or seconds away from having a car baby.

[INDENT]So again, this time I talked to my parents, but as they aren't responsible for me anymore, they guided me towards what to do and how to do it, reducing my charge from a Class I to a speeding ticket of over 9MPH[/INDENT]

That's a $250 fine my friends.
Better than a year in jail or $2,500 don't ya think? Also, the ticket isn't on my record, it's not a charge.

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So long story short, I want to warn all of you before you get into trouble.
Of course, don't break laws, but if you have a habit of that, be careful.
Once the inevitable happens and you get in trouble, DO NOT assume you can handle it.
The best course of action is to tell your parents, call around for lawyers and discuss. Most lawyers, in fact, give you advice on your case even when you don't hire them.

So as you start driving and having more freedoms, watch out, be smart, and always communicate with people who are there to help you.

[FONT=Verdana]~Peter[/FONT]