Why It’s a Big Deal to be Arrested

Posted by Ann Sattley on Thursday, December 20th, 2012

So often on this blog, I cite stories of people who were arrested for normal behavior or things that we all do every day. Just stick around and do some surfing and you’re sure to find something outrageous.

The response of the public in situations like these is to ignore it and move on because often the charges were dropped or the person wasn’t convicted. But, I maintain that simply being arrested for something is a big deal and shouldn’t be taken lightly.

There are a number of reasons why being arrested can impact your life forever — societal stigma, court fees, job loss, or other things. And sometimes people are even convicted of things they didn’t do, which is the main thing our criminal justice system is supposed to avoid. Will Grigg also reminds us of a way that getting arrested can ruin your life.

So, this is just a friendly reminder to do your best to not judge people who have been arrested…and do your best not to call the police if there is any other solution you can think of.

Remember: I am spending a lot of time and energy making my podcast now. If you don’t subscribe to it, you are missing out on a lot of content here.

Related posts:

  1. Arrested due to Incompetence
  2. Expose Them Early, Let Them Get Used to It
  3. Felony Finger Pointing
  4. Natural Consequence
  5. More Police Stuff

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Jeremy Sarber
Jeremy Sarber

True story...

 

When I was 23 years old, I was approached by a police officer at the hotel where I worked. He informed me he had a warrant for my arrest. I asked him what it was for and he said underage drinking. Of course, I wasn't drinking nor was I underage. Even so, I was escorted out of my place of employment in handcuffs and put into a police car.

 

Once I got to the police station, we got it all sorted out. I supposedly belonged there but it appeared worse than it was.

 

One month before I turned 21, I drank half a beer during supper with my roommate, walked across the street to borrow a movie from a friend, and discovered he was having a party busted by the police. Even though the officers knew I was not at the party, I was forced to take a breathalyzer. I blew the lowest number possible but it didn't matter. I was underage.

 

Long story short, I went to court and had to enter alcohol addiction counseling. I did it but one year later I was informed that I needed to return to court one last time. Unfortunately, I had moved and never got the notice. So, two years later, I got arrested.

 

I had to appear at multiple court dates, pay money, and return to alcohol addiction counseling. It was humiliating and damaging to my reputation. Even though I was guilty according to the law, imaginations and gossip made it into a much worse thing than it was. 

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