what advice should we give a member who has legal problems?
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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