Don't Label Yourself As A "Criminal"

Zach Baber • June 2, 2025

How Baber & Baber Helps Clients Rebuild After an Arrest
in Columbia City, Warsaw, Huntington, and Albion

A picture of a man frowning with the words

Being charged with a crime can feel like your entire world has been turned upside down.

The fear, the uncertainty, and the weight of judgment (especially from yourself) can be overwhelming.

But here’s what we want every client to hear from day one:

You are not a “criminal.”

You are a person who made a mistake, or is being accused of one.

And at Baber & Baber, P.C., our number one goal is simple:

That you never need us again.

If we do our job right, we help you not only navigate the criminal justice system but also provide you with the clarity, confidence, and support to avoid this situation in the future.

You Are Not Alone — And You Are Not a Label

When you're facing criminal charges, it's easy to spiral into shame, guilt, or anxiety.

These feelings are normal, but they don't have to define you.

Here are some real, actionable steps you can take to manage the emotional toll and start building your comeback:

✅ 1. Talk to Someone You Trust

It could be a close friend, family member, pastor, or counselor.

You don’t have to go through this alone.

Bottling it up makes the mental load heavier.

Shame thrives in silence.

You shouldn't talk about the facts of the case with anyone besides your attorney, but speaking about what you're going through otherwise helps take its power away.

✅ 2. Get Organized

Bring all of your paperwork, court dates, and any communication into one place.

The more control you feel over the details, the less chaotic everything seems.

Use a simple folder or a digital app, but take ownership of your case.

✅ 3. Avoid the Worst Voices

That might mean certain people on social media… or even that voice in your own head.

You are not your worst moment.

Surround yourself with people and thoughts that speak to your future, not your failure.

✅ 4. Focus on the Fundamentals

Get good sleep
Eat actual meals (not just fast food or nothing at all)
Stay off substances that will only cloud your thinking
Show up early for court or meetings

These things seem small, but they add up fast in building the version of you that never ends up back here.

✅ 5. Let Us Be the Calm in the Chaos

At Baber & Baber, we’ve walked this road with thousands of clients across Whitley, Kosciusko, Noble, and Huntington Counties.

We handle the legal complexities. You focus on getting better, not just beating the charge, but beating the cycle.

Our Goal Is That You’ll Never Need Us Again

Yes, we want to win your case.

Yes, we’ll fight for you in the courtroom.

But ultimately, our goal is bigger: