I am not much of a movie buff but have always enjoyed the line in Animal House where John Belushi’s character gave his rousing speech after him and his friends had been expelled, including the line ‘was it over when the German’s bombed Pearl Harbor’. The character’s history was a little shaky, (Just in case anyone missed history class the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor in 1941, not the Germans) too much drinking and not enough studying, yet the message holds true, it is never over, and one should never give up.

In my line of work, I deal with people in very tough situations; people who have been charged with serious crimes, battling a divorce where they are not allowed to see their kids, and in desperate financial straits. It is easy to look at a bad situation and just give up, say what is the point of fighting. That may seem like an easy way out, but it is a decision you are almost guaranteed to regret later. Getting where you want, having your kids living with you, beating the criminal charges against you can seem hopeless, but it is best to take it one step at a time. If you are not allowed to see your kids, get a little parenting time, then, go for more; take it in steps. It is the same thing when facing a tough criminal case. First goal, get out of jail; get bail set up, then work with your attorney on how to build a case against what you are charged with. I had a long-time client and friend, who was arrested unexpectedly, spent a weekend in jail, and ended up facing four felony charges in addition to three misdemeanor charges. Just over two years, 3 dozen court appearances, and three separate jury trials later, he was a free man, all charges had either been dismissed or not guilty verdicts had come in.

When the situation seems hopeless, it is not, get good help, good advice, and start moving forward, you can get to a better place.

Ed