Hi All, So I'm new really to writing but have been giving it a first go. Part of my plot requires the main character to be arrested by a cop who subsequently becomes the other main character and develops into a friendship/romance. The issue is I don't know what the offence could be- I'd like it to be something you could realistically be arrested for but not massively serious so the officer can maybe use their discretion to let the main character off... any ideas?
Welcome to the forum! Not knowing anything at all about your ideas for the story, perhaps a bar fight? or petty theft? Do you want the reason for the crime to be part of the ongoing plot? If so, then it may become more specific.
They could commit a crime but have a perfectly justifiable reason for doing so, which would be confirmed after they are taken back to the police station. An example I'm reminded of is from somebody I knew who worked at a discount shop. She saw a woman walk in and pick up a bag of candy and start eating it without paying for it. When confronted about it, the woman explained that she had diabetes and her insulin levels were dangerously low and that she would pay them back for it. So something like shoplifting could work if there's a good reason for it.
Let's see...I work in a jail, so, petty offences could be: Public intoxication, driving while license invalid (maybe MC's license had expired and they didn't know? I could see the cop letting this one slide..), possession of marijuana less than 2 ounces (depends on where your setting is, as in some places this is not illegal) , assault by contact (example, MC may have pushed or slapped someone who then called the cops). Umm....unpaid traffic tickets can get a warrant placed on you, as can failing to appear for any court date. Hopefully these give you some ideas.
Hi Guys, Thank you so much for your suggestions they are most appreciated. Just to expand more, the reason for the crime would be part of the ongoing plot in its early stages- So the character whose a P.O who arrests the main character faces a dilemma as they eventually become friends with the character in question. The offence itself I wanted to be minor/explainable to a certain degree as the M.C is not inherently criminal and will never have been in any form of trouble before, so the suggestions of shoplifting perhaps for explainable reason or something to do with a bar/fight seem a good route to go down as these seem quite natural/feasaible it's just grappling with specifics now really. Many thanks again for your help and warm welcome to the forum!
I agree with the bar fight sentiment. Something that gives your character that gruff edge if that's what your going for. Either that or public intoxication, that's always entertaining to write.
Or... it could be something more serious. But, there isn't enough evidence to back it up and the crime was ethically justified. Like the MC was being beat up/abused by his/her significant other (in this case not so significant) (or it was an accident) and the Police Officer is on-board (an eye for an eye) (or understands accidents happen), he knows the MC did it, but knows also the MC will get released for it for lack of evidence/lost evidence etc... This way, it could be more drama, but leads to a way the MC could be justified and be released and liked/loved at the same time?
You could have the crime be anything, really, then have the MC get sassy with the cop and end up arrested for resisting arrest or interfering with a police officer's duties or whatever it is cops arrest people for when they feel disrespected and want to retaliate with a power play. Cop later decides maybe he likes sassy and drops the charges.
