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Fighting for Your Life: The African-American Criminal Justice Survival Guide

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Fighting For Your Life: The African America Criminal Survival Guide told by John V. Elmore, Esq. and Foreword by a friend of the literary community, Mr. Tony Rose is the most responsible book on the planet.There is something that rang a familiar air of discord as I glimpsed at the chained arms on the cover of Fighting For Your Life: The African America Criminal Survival Guide told by John V. Elmore, Esq. and Foreword by a friend of the literary community, Mr. Tony Rose.

I knew immediately that if I was not interested in fighting for my life, I would not open the book, and no matter how mysterious the picture on the cover with two fingerprints that look the same, but if you look carefully, do not match at all. My very own hands longed to free the cuffs of another black man whose time did not fit the crime, and by no means do I condone crime. I am speaking for my brother, father, sister, mother, grandparents and friends who lost love ones who wound up behind bars thanks to the unfair practices of the judicial system while their white counterparts got slaps on the wrists, but this is another story.

The truth is, as I read each page of one of the most "Think Before You Act" books ever written to help Black Americans stay safe in situations, or even avoid crime, the focus became clear that this book matches its title, and is indeed the first African American Justice Survival Guide ever to approach the answers to the questions Black African Americans have asked about avoiding the fatal flaws of the criminal justice system. It leaves out subjective opinions or views that could cause even the most innocent man to wind up dead. It happens everyday, and rather than for folks to remain ignorant of the fact that like criminals the criminal justice system does not discriminate between which blacks should suffer the injustices in situations, Fighting For Your Life: The African America Criminal Survival Guide is a wake up call for everyone.

It doesn't matter who you are, where you come from, what you are wearing, how much money you have, or how well you are adored by the community you live in. YOU too can be a victim of the criminal justice system, and not to take away anything from the hard working police officers who protect the community and sincerely care about the communities they protect and serve. We are talking about a universal code of conduct that once this book becomes a part of university law study curriculums, criminal justice undergraduate classes, required by youth in detention centers and those subject to light time in prison, and. or as a gift to perhaps your young son or child, the world will begin to play it safe when it comes to doing the job of being a civilian or an officer of the law.

Fear breeds in those who serve the justice system due to unpredictable deaths and murders of peers in the force that cause underlying tension, and retaliation. Racism still runs amuck. Ignorance still breeds within our own communities when we respond to situations with pride. I say, read Fighting For Your Life: The African America Criminal Survival Guide to WAKE UP and understand that nothing is more important than saving your life, and even if it means you have to fight for it. You will discover Defense Attorney, John V. Elmore's complete tour of the criminal justice system from the point where those who stand accused or violated can acquire a public defender or attorney for hire, the client's rights and crime report to what to do if you are a victim of brutality, wrongly accused, or required to attend preliminary hearings.

Readers will also, be given pointers on attire in court, making bail, and if not...the grand jury process and some top lawyers who can be contacted and will help the accused fight for one's rights. It doesn't get any better than this.

On a lighter note, I have to discard all reviews of books about the criminal justice system after reading this book which really presents the facts. I encourage all urban writers to read this book before attempting to write a single line about crime and outcomes in novels. If you need facts, this is a great tool for the urban writer as well.

As a reviewer, Fighting For Your Life: The African -American Criminal Justice Survival Guide is certainly on the top of my list for fact checking and research. IT is a thorough and accurate guide that is intelligent, sensible, and can be the cure-all of calling a truce between the criminal justice system and those accused. Yes, if you are guilty, there are penalties, but this book wants you to only do the time if it if fits the crime, and keep you living, because even the criminal has a family.

This is about humanity and cutting down the abuse and brutality of youth who are the product of the environments in which they live. The story is not finished, and we still owe another book to the survivors. I would have liked to read more about Hurricane Carter, Alfred Houston, Angela Davis, and even Mr. Tony Rose. This book will definitely welcome the trend of survivor stories. Def Jam's Bruce George is dedicating an anthology to The Bandana Republic, and Neshee Publication is acquiring stories for Fight To The Finish Line. All of these books are in demand

by our youth, young adults, local gang members, those serving time, those of the criminal justice who want to better understand their role as officers of the community, parents and people who care about the state of America on crime, and of course...address what we all need to know to survive. A new genre is born. All praise goes our to John Elmore, Esq., a criminal defense attorney, former state trooper, father of four boys, teacher and attorney general.

Elmore announced his book to 100,000 people in the New York audience on WBEN's "Beach and Company", and I expected great things as a result. So did our audience; and Elmore delivered.

Elmore's book is so very thought-provoking that it could have well been titled, "Thinking for Your Life:...

Elmore's ability to relate his acquired experiences to all audiences and readers, not only as a premiere defense attorney, but also as a former prosecutor and state police officer, clearly comes through. Without unduly demeaning law enforcement officers, he focuses on what the individual should do to avoid arrest; and once arrested, Elmore instructs the person on how to behave to minimize adversity in the very stressful situation, including behavior before a judge in what may ordinarily be common-sense approaches.

An example of its relativity is when he asks the question, "Would you pick a fight with a bully standing on the corner who has a gun, chemical mace and a radio to call [the other members of his gang]? Then why would you fight a policeman?"

This book should become 'text book' for all young men as early as middle school, and definitely not later than entry into high school. It will be required reading by me for my two sons. If you are a parent, it ought to be for yours too. If you are a teacher, after reading Elmore's book, you ought to have a student or two on your Christmas list. If you are principal, the library shelves should be packed with them.

Ken Hamilton
Beach and Company
WBEN 930AM
Buffalo NY

As a African-American prosecutor, I am often frustrated by the number of young African-American defendants who come into the courtroom completely unprepared and unaware of how the criminal justice system operates. John Elmore's book is a must read for anyone facing criminal charges.

Attorney Elmore's book is excellent on so many levels. In addition to the practical legal advice that is offered, John counsels on the need for young people and their parents to find ways to overcome the hurdles still plentiful in the paths of many people of color. Without preaching, he motivates young people to seek the opportunities for fulfilling their lives despite the social and economic obstacles prevalent in some of our communities that lead to encounters with the justice system.

John touches on issues of race without being inflammatory and is sensitive about race in ways that all races would do well to consider. This is a book of hope, faith and promise. Pride and dignity reside within these pages.

John Elmore shares shocking and interesting facts, and personal war stories about our legal system. "Fighting for Your Life" provides 150 pages worth tools--from advice that can be a virtual "get-out-of-jail-free card,"--to knowledge that can SAVE YOUR LIFE. I recommend this book for everyone. As a law student getting ready to practice, I found this book to be an easy read, but not easy to forget.

This book is a must have/must read for anyone interested in studying, or participating in, the legal system. John Elmore's experience and insight are delivered in an easy to read way that makes the book an incredible resource for students or practitioners.

Fighting for your life is a resource guide for anyone and everyone no matter what their relationship to the law! Law Students, Practicing Attorneys, Criminal Defendants, or family members and loved ones of somebody who is either in jail, has been arrested, or is facing criminal prosecution can all benefit from owning this book. John V. Elmore offers each of us a practical, hands on, "If I'm in trouble, this is the book I need to read" guide to understanding your rights and making sure that they are not violated. Most importantly, the author has experience and knowledge of the law from every angle; He was a criminal defense attorney, former state trooper, and former prosecutor. In his book, he tells you exactly what to do and how to do it so that when you find yourself in a position where you are fighting for your life, with his book you have a fighting chance to win.

This unique book uses plain language and real-life examples to explain how people can best deal with police, attorneys and courts. It gives practical advice about how to avoid arrest; and if arrested, how to choose a lawyer and how to act in court. It also gives sound advice for crime victims. Concise statistics demonstrate social injustice and racism that everone needs to be aware of. This book is not just valuable for minority youth, but is educational for people inside and outside the criminal justice system, especially attorneys and judges.

Mr. Elmore's book is based on real life situations that most of the time occur far from the glare of cameras and public scrutiny. The criminal justice system does not work the same for all people. Anyone, black or white or hispanic, who is charged with a crime can learn much from the experiences related in this book and from the wisdom of a passionate advocate.

As a career prosecutor with over twenty year's experience, I believe that this fair and balanced book belongs on the bookshelf of every attorney who practices criminal law. It is particularly important that prosecutors read and digest the important lessons of this book so that they understand that the awesome power that the state places in their hands comes with the responsibility to handle each person who comes to court with respect and dignity.