WHAT ADVICE SHOULDWE GIVE A MEMBER

WHO HAS LEGALPROBLEMS?

Melvin L. OteyAugust 15, 2011

Christians don’thave legal problems,

do they?

domestic abuse? drugs? theft? murder? bankruptcy?

DUI? tax problems?

Christians shouldn’thave legal problems,

should they?

auto accidents? L&T? business disputes?

divorce and custody? sexual harassment?

Christians with legalproblems need sagecounsel, but first alittle counsel for

potential advisors:

“Remember two principles from

1 John 2:1”

Teach Christians to avoid breaking the law: “An ounce of

prevention is worth a pound of

cure”

PRINCIPLE #1

Legal problems arisefrom lack of respectfor the law, unsavory influences, characterflaws, and misguided notions of success

Each of these hazards are addressed by

Christian doctrine and influence

Teach Christians they can recover if they do

break the law: “It’s not whether you get

knocked down. It’s whether you get back

up”

PRINCIPLE #2

I.

GENERAL ADVICEWHEN LEGAL

TROUBLE ARISES

“A loose tonguecan get you into

a tight place”

“The person who represents himself has

a fool for a client”

“Never write or sign anything you don’t

fully understand (evenfor your lawyer)”

II.

LEGAL ADVICEWHEN CRIMINALTROUBLE ARISES

“Get a (good)lawyer, and be honest

with him/her”

“Make sure yourlawyer explains

EVERYTHING to you.It’s your life!”

“You can remainsilent, but

you cannot lie”

“Pretrial diversion programs can protect your criminal record”

“Acceptance of responsibility is often rewarded”

(cf. 1 Jn. 1:9)

“Palpable repentance (remorse + restitution +

rehabilitation) often merits a lesser penalty”

“While honesty and contrition are generally rewarded, dishonesty and pride are typically

punished” (cf. Rom. 13:3)

III.

LEGAL ADVICEWHEN CIVIL

TROUBLE ARISES

“Civil suits are generally about

money, but money isn’t everything; consider spiritual

implications”(1 Tim. 6:10; MK.

8:36)

“Be very carefuland holistic as you think about what

it will mean to‘win’ the case”

“Right living before God is more important than earthly riches”

(Prov. 16:8, 28:6)

“A good reputation for integrity is far more important as well”(Prov. 22:1, 19:1)

“Count carefully; the financial, temporal, and

emotional costs in civil litigation can

be very high”

“Pursue ADR options (e.g., negotiation,

mediation, arbitration)”

(Mt. 5:25)

WHAT ADVICE SHOULDWE GIVE A MEMBER

WHO HAS LEGALPROBLEMS?

Melvin L. OteyAugust 15, 2011