Ron was a public defender for the state of Alabama. His job was to provide legal counsel for people who could not afford a lawyer. Some of the people he defended were truly innocent and worthy of defending. Others were petty thieves and robbers who were guilty and he knew it. But it was his job to give them the best defense possible. He was not always proud of what he did, because he felt something for the victims.



One day he received a case of a young guy accused dealing drugs. He reviewed the case and in his mind he felt this guy was guilty, but no matter he still had to do the best defense job that he could. After talking to the guy all doubt was erased and he was positive this guy was guilty. Nevertheless; Ron prepared the case for the defense. The dealer was sure they were going to win the case and he would be set free.

He pressured Ron not to let him down. Trial day rolled around. The judge was chosen, it was one of the toughest judges against drugs cases, in the state. Ron knew in his mind that they were not coming out of this unpunished. The judge had a favorite nephew whose life was ruined by drug dealers. He had a history of imposing the maximum sentence in drug cases.

He knew the jury would probably find the convict guilty, but he could usually get them probation. This was different here was a drug dealer and a judge who hated drug dealers. The trial proceeded. All through it, the dealer made threats against Ron. He said he would get even if Ron did not get him off. Ron had heard this kind of thing before and did not think much of it. The jury found the guy guilty as anticipated. He was released on bond pending sentencing.

One day Ron was at the office reviewing cases. The drug dealer he had defended walked in. He pulled out a long blade knife and said I told you I would get you. Ron jumped up from the desk and tried to maneuver away from the knife. The guy sliced at Ron hitting him on his left arm.

Blood started to run from the arm, but Ron was still moving away. He hit one of the panic buttons, which are situated throughout the office. An alarm went off to signify a lockdown situation. The signal pinpointed Rons office as the source. Security arrived and had to shoot the guy in the leg to end the attack.

The very nature of your job could place you in jeopardy for a criminal attack. Robberies, Rapes, assaults and kidnappings have been committed by disgruntled associates. If you believe your job exposes you to criminal attack, take precautions. Above all else know the people you are dealing with. Take threats seriously and report them to the proper authorities. Protect yourself at home and in the office to the furthest extent possible.

The most vulnerable times are when you are going to and from the office. It may become necessary to vary your routine in order to avoid criminal surveillance. Always be aware of your surroundings at all times. Always have a plan in mind in case you are attacked. Your goal is not to defeat the attacker but to allow yourself time to escape danger.