Lawyer pens guide for student athletes
by KIMBERLY M. KARCHER Clarence Editor

Legal assistant James F. Orr, left and Clarence resident Michael S. Taheri, ESQ, wrote a guide for student athletes about the criminal justice system.

At least once every year, residents will read or hear about a group of athletes, either at the high school or college level, who are facing legal trouble due to poor decisions typically involving alcohol and drugs and risking the loss of hard-earned athletic scholarships because of a lack of knowledge of the criminal justice system.

After mulling through numerous questions from college-level athletes about "What do I do if ...," Michael S. Taheri, Clarence resident and partner in the Williamsville based law firm, Taheri & Todoro, PC, and his legal assistant, James F. Orr, created "The Student-Athletes Guide to the Criminal Justice System."

"Last year, I made several presentations to the student athletes at the University of Buffalo regarding this topic, and the questions asked by the students were the primary inspiration for this book," Taheri said, noting that many of the student-based questions were similar in nature.

"(The book) is written for student athletes, their families and coaches, with the material presented in an easy-to-read format that does not use complicated legal jargon," he said.

Some of the situations the guide addresses include: "Can I get in trouble if I'm at a party and other people are smoking pot?" "I was pulled over for speeding - do I have to let the police search my car?" and "If I'm arrested, what should I tell my coach - and the school?"

Taheri said he understands that some people may misconstrue the guide's message as a way to get out of trouble, but he insists its purpose is to help students, parents and coaches understand the legal system.

"In a perfect world, this guide wouldn't have been written," Taheri said. "But the reality is that we do not live in a perfect world, and let's face it. college students drink and when you're out in a bar all night and you've been drinking you may not be making great decisions."

Taheri said the guide consists of three parts, focusing on "Criminal Conduct and the Student Athlete," "Practical Advice for Student-Athletes" and "An Overview of the Criminal Justice System."

"The purpose of this guide is to provide you, your family and your coach with information that will help you avoid making the bad decisions that may result in an arrest and possible criminal conviction," the guide's introduction states.

Taheri added that throughout the guide, he wanted to focus on ways for student athletes to avoid troublesome situations overall, as well as what to do if an athlete should find himself in a questionable situation.

"I've been practicing criminal law for 20 years now," he said. "And time and time again we find many people, not just students, have no clue about the legal system.

"We want this book to reach whoever can benefit the most from its content," added Orr.

The authors commented on their appreciativeness to the University at Buffalo for opening the door to this book.

"Jim and I are grateful for the opportunity Warde Manuel, the athletic director at the University at Buffalo, gave me in preparing this book," Taheri said. "His vision allowed me to speak with a large group of student-athletes and get their feedback on what they needed to know in order to make good choices when confronted with different situations."

Taheri said he has received interest from other colleges and universities about carrying the guide.

"Some people want to know why this book is just for athletes, but the great thing is that it's not," Taheri said. "The original inspiration for the guide came from discussions with athletes, but really anybody can benefit from reading through it. It's an overall guide for students who have questions regarding the legal system in terms that they and their parents can understand in an easy format."

For more information on the guide, visit the Web site, www. taheriandtodoro. com/ student. html.

e-mail:kkarcher@beenews.com