"But your honor," John started to protest, "I was, um,  late for work. I didn’t realize I was doing anything wrong. I certainly would never have left if I knew I was fleeing the scene of a crime."

"Ignorance of the law is no excuse." The judge’s gavel banged twice, the hammer sealing John’s fate. "Twenty-five years and you’re lucky it’s not the shredder. Next case!"

The bailiff grabbed John’s elbow like a vise and pulled him out. John said nothing.