
San Diego County police have charged a vandal who wrote graffiti in the courtroom where he was being prosecuted for vandalism and possessing tagging tools. Police later searched his house and found evidence linking him to the graffiti. His artwork with his moniker were on courtroom chairs and hallway benches. So much for courtroom security. He managed to smuggle his tools into the building. Thank goodness, he didn’t have a weapon. Here are some guidelines for this poor smuck to consider:
1. It should go without saying that if you are accused of a crime, don’t bring the evidence to court with you.
2. If you must commit a crime in court, don’t leave your signature, tag or business card. That also includes fingerprints, DNA or cellphones.
3. If you are accused of a crime, don’t leave the evidence in your home. Eventually, the police will search your place and find it. That also applies to computers and cellphones.
4. Just because no one saw you commit the crime doesn’t mean the police can’t find you. Don’t hang around waiting for accolades.
5. Freedom of speech and artistic expression doesn’t apply to graffiti or defacing of property.