Over the next week or so I have decided to impart 50 free legal tips. Some of these tips will seem fairly obvious but they are all based actual events.

Number 1: Social Media Posts Can And Will Be Used Against You!

Do not post your illegal activities, probation violations, confessions, or anything else on social media! This is my number one piece of advice and is often the most ignored. Someone is always watching and you will be arrested. Posting a picture of yourself at the pool will be Exhibit Number 1 that you were not complying with your house arrest. Even if you "delete" the post later...once on the internet, always on the internet.

Number 2: Don't Take Photo's Of Yourself Committing A Crime.

This goes hand-in-hand with Number 1. Why do people feel the need to document or show off their illegal activity? The photos of you holding drugs, weapons, and money will become State's Exhibits 1, 2, and 3 leading to your conviction.

Number 3: Dress Appropriately For Court.

I don't ask clients to dress in a suit when showing up for court, in fact I rarely ask them to dress any differently than they would on any other day. However, do not wear a shirt that says: "F*ck You!", "Drive it like you stole it", "Guns don't kill people, I kill people", etc. Ladies, don't wear pot leaf jewelry when facing a possession charge. Lastly, if you can avoid it, do not paint your face like you are ready to enter some ancient battle.

Number 4: Do Not Insult The Judge Right Before He/She is About To Sentence You.

At a minimum, this is the wrong time. They will not be amused. That number they originally had in their head (years in prison, days in jail, years of probation, amount of fines, etc.) may just go up a couple of ticks. Save your criticism of the system, the court, and police officers for your next best-selling novel.

Number 5: When In Jail, Be Careful What You Say On The Phone.

Do not admit to the committing a crime, or plan your next crime, while talking to friends or family. That sign that says "all calls are monitored and recorded" is not a joke. Also please avoid raunchy phone sex...your attorney has to review all those phone calls to make sure nothing important was said.