Arrest-Proof Yourself

1. Understand the Criminal Justice System: Players, Processes, and Plantations

The electronic plantation has destroyed one of the greatest features of American life: the opportunity to get a second chance.

The modern criminal justice system is a complex web of law enforcement, courts, and digital records. It consists of three main players: cops (hunters of humans), real bad guys (career criminals), and the clueless horde (petty offenders). The system processes people through physical plantations (jails, prisons) and the electronic plantation (permanent digital records).

The electronic plantation is particularly insidious:

• Arrest records are instantly accessible and permanent
• Even if charges are dropped or you're acquitted, the arrest remains
• Employers, landlords, and others can easily access this information
• It can deny job opportunities and housing for life

To avoid the plantations:

• Stay out of sight of police
• Don't commit petty crimes or act suspiciously
• Understand how the system works to minimize your risk

2. Avoid Attracting Police Attention: Stay Out of Sight, Out of Mind

If cops don't see you, they can't arrest you.

Visibility is key to avoiding arrest. Police are visual predators who patrol in cars, looking for people who fit their "crook profile" or appear out of place. The more visible you are, the more likely you are to be stopped and questioned.

To reduce your visibility:

• Avoid hanging out on the streets, especially at night
• Don't dress like a stereotypical criminal
• Keep a low profile in high-crime areas
• Maintain a neat, clean appearance
• Stay home during high-crime hours (usually 9 PM to 3 AM)

Be aware of your "Arrestability Quotient" (Arrest-Q):

• High Arrest-Q: Loud music, gang colors, visible tattoos, loitering
• Low Arrest-Q: Neat casual dress, quiet demeanor, purposeful movement

3. Master the Art of Interacting with Police: Be Polite, Brief, and Silent

Give cops your name and basic info, then shut the heck up!

When interacting with police, remember that they are trained to hunt and arrest. Your goal is to end the interaction as quickly as possible without giving them a reason to arrest you.

Key strategies:

• Be polite and respectful, even if the officer is not
• Provide only basic information: name, address, and where you're going
• Don't lie or provide false information
• Use the magic words: "Officer, have I done something wrong?"
• If questioned further, say: "I'd like to answer your questions, but my attorney advised me not to say anything unless they are present."

Avoid common mistakes:

• Don't argue or get emotional
• Don't consent to searches
• Don't volunteer information
• Don't try to explain or talk your way out of the situation

4. Navigate Traffic Stops Safely: Comply, Don't Consent to Searches

When police ask to search your vehicle, just say no—politely!

Traffic stops are a common way people get arrested, often for reasons unrelated to driving. Police use these stops as opportunities to search for contraband or evidence of other crimes.

During a traffic stop:

• Pull over quickly and safely
• Turn off the engine and interior lights
• Keep your hands visible on the steering wheel
• Provide license, registration, and insurance when asked
• Be polite but don't engage in unnecessary conversation

If asked to search your vehicle:

• Politely refuse: "No, officer, I don't consent to searches."
• Don't physically resist if they search anyway
• Remember that consent waives your Fourth Amendment rights

Know your rights:

• You don't have to answer questions about where you're going or coming from
• You don't have to admit to any wrongdoing
• You can ask if you're free to leave if the stop seems to drag on

5. Keep Your Vehicle Clean and Legal: Avoid Unnecessary Arrests

To avoid cops and stay free you've got to drive street legal.

Your car can be a liability if it's not properly maintained or contains illegal items. Police often use minor vehicle infractions as a pretext to stop and search cars.

To keep your vehicle "arrest-proof":

• Ensure all lights and signals are working
• Keep registration, insurance, and licenses current
• Don't let friends leave drugs or weapons in your car
• Regularly search your own vehicle for contraband
• Fix mechanical issues promptly (squealing brakes, smoking exhaust)

Avoid common pitfalls:

• Don't carry open containers of alcohol
• Keep prescription drugs in their original containers
• Don't leave valuables in plain sight
• Avoid air fresheners or decorations that block your view

If you find contraband in your car:

• Dispose of drugs safely and legally
• Turn in any found weapons through an attorney
• Ban passengers who left illegal items from your car

6. Handle Firearms Responsibly: Choose Wisely, Practice Regularly

To responsibly own and use firearms, you must practice two very different things.

If you choose to own a firearm for self-defense, it's crucial to select the right weapon and train properly. The author recommends a .38 Special revolver for most people.

Advantages of a revolver:

• Simple, reliable mechanism
• Less likely to jam or misfire
• Limited ammunition discourages reckless use
• Effective stopping power at close range

Proper firearm practices:

• Obtain all necessary permits and licenses
• Store weapons securely, especially from children
• Practice regularly at a range
• Learn and follow all safety rules
• Train for decision-making under stress

Avoid common mistakes:

• Don't modify your weapon or use exotic ammunition
• Don't carry multiple different firearms
• Don't brandish or show off your weapon
• Don't drink or use drugs while armed

7. Know Self-Defense Laws: Understand Stand Your Ground and Its Consequences

When you shoot someone in self-defense, it creates a legal, financial, and political mess of astonishing magnitude.

Self-defense laws vary by state, but generally require that you reasonably fear death or great bodily harm before using deadly force. "Stand Your Ground" laws remove the duty to retreat before using force, but they're not a get-out-of-jail-free card.

Key considerations for self-defense:

• You must be lawfully present where the incident occurs
• You can't be the initial aggressor
• The threat must be imminent
• Your response must be proportional to the threat

Potential consequences of using deadly force:

• Criminal charges (even if you believe it was justified)
• Civil lawsuits from the attacker or their family
• Psychological trauma and PTSD
• Media scrutiny and public opinion backlash
• Financial ruin from legal fees and civil judgments

If you must use deadly force:

• Call 911 immediately
• Don't touch or move evidence
• Provide first aid if safe to do so
• Don't make statements to police without an attorney present
• Document everything you can remember about the incident

Last updated: November 19, 2024