JERRI L COOK

What would happen to your children if you were arrested? Even if you have never had so much as a traffic ticket, don't make the mistake of believing you won't ever find yourself wearing metal bracelets while riding in the back seat of a squad car. It can happen to anyone. Just ask Samantha Mooreland.

On a frigid January morning, Samantha Mooreland was pulled over as she and her children drove towards their home in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The state trooper informed her that a warrant had been issued for her arrest on charges of prostitution, giving false identification, and possession of drug paraphernalia. She tried to explain that she had never been in any trouble. There was an obvious mistake, but the trooper wouldn't listen. There on the frozen highway, Samantha's terrified children watched in horror as their mother was handcuffed and hauled away. Samantha was also terrified. What would happen to her kids? Where would they be taken? How would she find them once this was straightened out?

This scenario is repeated thousands of time each year. A life-long criminal co-opts the name and address of someone with a clean record. An experienced criminal knows better than to carry identification. Instead, they simply give the arresting officer the name and address of an unsuspecting, law-abiding citizen. They post bail using someone else's credit card, and disappear. When they don't show up for their court date, a warrant is issued. Someone's going to jail, but it's not the criminal.

Adults aren't the only one's who've suffered wrongful arrests because of a mistaken identity. Children are also experiencing the effects of identity theft. Not only are their credit scores being decimated, so are their reputations.Teenagers are being mistakenly arrested by the thousands. Think about the dangers that await a young teen who has never been in any trouble when they are thrown in a holding cell with hardened criminals. Imagine the trauma.

Even so, almost no one is prepared for the consequences of being victimized by identity theft. Most victims don't have a lawyer, and even if they do, they are unprepared for the financial tsunami that's about to hit them. Identity theft keeps costing, and costing, and costing.... Without legal help, it could take months, even years, to clear your credit reports and reputation. A minor child whose identity has been stolen could face the consequences well into adulthood. If you can't protect your own identity, how will you protect your child's?

Legal Shield offers affordable legal expense insurance for your entire family. It only costs about a dollar a day to protect your family from the consequences of mistaken identity, wrongful arrests, and dishonest merchants. Become a member today, and your coverage starts today. There's no underwriting, so no risk assessment. Even if you or someone you care about has a criminal record, you won't be turned down. Join the Legal Shield community today.