Take Precautions and avoid legal conundrums
In some domestic and foreign travel destinations, criminals like to prey on tourists.
Partying and getting wild may be fun, but in another country going too far can land you in legal trouble.
Facing Unexpected Travel Situations
Travel can be the perfect remedy for dealing with the many stresses that you have in your daily life. Yet if you’re not careful, it can also result in problematic situations. The potential of facing legal issues while traveling can be even more prevalent when dealing with robbery or attack. Fortunately, a few simple preventative measures can help ensure that your dream vacation doesn’t turn into a nightmare.
Avoid Looking for Trouble
The easiest way to avoid legal trouble while traveling is to not go looking for it. While its fine to enjoy yourself, avoid seeking out casual intimate encounters that could result in accusations of sexual assault. Be careful not to drink too much, as well. While advertisements have promoted the idea that “What happens in this city stays in this city”, in reality, that’s nothing more than an advertising gimmick.
Have Respect for the Local Citizens
Always be respectful of local customs. You’ll often find that locals in popular vacation destinations have a bad opinion of foreign tourists because of the trouble that many of those visitors bring. It’s easy to use the excuse of “this is perfectly fine to do where I’m from” to justify what could be viewed as only questionable activities to yourself. However, such a defense may not hold up in local foreign courts.
Seek Legal Counsel If You're Arrested
If you are arrested while traveling, seek the assistance of a lawyer right away. You may forget that you are playing on the local law enforcement’s home court, and this gives authorities a built-in advantage. A local criminal defense attorney offers in-depth knowledge of local statutes, which can even the proverbial playing field. If you happen to be traveling abroad, contact the local U.S. embassy, as well.
Smarter Cars Hopefully Lead to Smarter Drivers
Above all, be smart. While it’s understandable that you might want to slightly loosen your inhibitions while traveling, keep it within reason. If you do happen to encounter criminal activity, just make sure you’re not the one that prompts it. Your vacation should offer a brief respite from the rigors of daily living. Such relief won’t happen if you’re forced to extend your stay with a term in the local jail.