As a City Councilman, I’m fortunate to meet incredible people who champion our community. One such individual is Pastor Maurice Hardwick, widely known as Pastor Mo, or “Street Sweeper.” A dedicated community violence intervention leader in the 3rd District, Pastor Mo works tirelessly to guide individuals, especially young men, away from a life of crime.
This year, at the Rally for Rylee, Pastor Mo shared a powerful truth that resonated deeply with me: “You cannot afford to commit crime!” His message highlights a critical point: the extreme, often overlooked, costs to you and your family if you choose a criminal path. I want to amplify this vital message, showing you why the perceived allure of quick money or power from crime is a dangerous illusion. The price tag attached to committing any crime, especially nonviolent offenses like theft, burglary, or shoplifting, is multifaceted and astronomically high – a cost few consider, and one no one can truly afford.
First, consider the immediate financial and legal burden that will crush you and your family. While public defenders are a constitutional right, the process is still grueling. If you opt for private counsel, even for nonviolent felonies like grand theft or serious burglary, legal fees can quickly reach tens of thousands of dollars, or even more for complex cases. The cost of a murder defense can soar beyond $100,000. These costs often involve hiring investigators or expert witnesses to analyze evidence. Should you be found guilty, the financial penalties don’t stop there. Judges frequently levy substantial fines, sometimes thousands of dollars or even triple the value of stolen property, which you will be legally obligated to pay.
Beyond legal fees and fines, consider the direct cost of any incarceration. For a felony, you could face years in prison; for a misdemeanor like shoplifting, even 93 days to a year in jail is possible, depending on the value and your record (DeBruin Law, PLLC). While taxpayers fund the prison system, every day you’re incarcerated is a day you lose potential earnings, accumulating a significant “debt” in lost wages and personal freedom.
Being confined in jail or prison means you’re not earning a living, gaining valuable work experience, or advancing your career. The opportunity cost of incarceration is staggering; studies show you could lose $500,000 or more in lifetime earnings (Prison Policy Initiative, 2025). This isn’t just about missing a few paychecks; it’s about potentially forfeiting your entire economic future. A criminal record, even for a nonviolent offense, slams shut doors to higher education, trade schools, and nearly all legitimate career opportunities. You’ll likely be limited to low-paying, demanding jobs that are hard to secure. The fundamental wealth-building opportunities – homeownership, starting a business, traveling, or simply living a stable, flourishing life – become increasingly unattainable. Your life will stagnate, devoid of the basic opportunities and personal freedoms that law-abiding citizens enjoy.
The impact of your actions also extends devastatingly to your family, forcing them to pay a heavy emotional and financial price. The stress and heartache inflicted upon your parents, siblings, children, and partner are immense. Your incarceration creates a financial strain, as they may struggle to cover your legal fees, pay exorbitant charges for phone calls from prison, send commissary funds for your basic needs, and afford the expense of traveling hundreds of miles for infrequent visits (UIC Jane Addams College of Social Work, 2020). If a family member dies while you’re in prison, you won’t be attending their funeral to pay your respects. Also, your family will face a pervasive social stigma and judgment. If you are a parent, your children will be disadvantaged, potentially caught in an intergenerational cycle of criminal involvement, perpetuating hardship and trauma across generations (Televerde Foundation; National Council on Family Relations).
Finally, life after incarceration doesn’t get easier; you will carry the permanent scar of a ruined reputation. Even for nonviolent crimes, a conviction creates an indelible stain that follows you for the rest of your days. This damage to your reputation impacts personal relationships, breeds distrust in the community and significantly limits your options for housing and social reintegration. Your right to vote may even be restricted in several states.
The perceived “gains” from nonviolent crime – a few dollars from a theft, a moment of perceived power – are minuscule compared to the life-altering consequences. Consider the numbers: a few hundred or a thousand dollars gained illegally versus thousands in legal fees, years of lost wages and opportunities, family devastation, and a permanently tarnished reputation. The math simply doesn’t add up. As Pastor Mo wisely states, “You cannot afford to commit crime.”
Hon. Scott Benson is a Detroit City Councilman who represents the 3rd District on Detroit’s north eastside. Councilman Benson is an Urban Planner by training with a long background in real estate, business and community development within Southeastern Michigan. Scott also serves his community by sitting on numerous boards, is an avid cyclist, and a proud husband and father.
