I enjoyed this book which shows how a law-abiding lawyer can be convinced to undertake an illegal act. Jennifer Ridha was part of the defense team for Cameron Douglas, son/grandson of the famous actors, who was charged with drug trafficking. She developed romantic feelings for him, and he convinced her to bring him some prescribed medication that the correctional facility housing him was refusing him. Was that so bad? Well, it was certainly illegal....for a start.

Ms. Ridha has written this account with honesty, self-awareness and even a touch of humour at times. She tells about her arrest, and the aftermath on her family relationships and her career. Well worth reading. ( )

I just got done with this book. I love the insight that helps you see how inherently good people get caught up in bad situations. I hate that Ms. Ridha went through this, but I do think this was a story that needed to be told, especially with society the way it is today. I love how nothing was off-limits, she laid everything out there bare bones from beginning to end. ( )

"How do you know when an addict is lying? His lips are moving," goes the old joke.

Former criminal defense attorney Jennifer Ridha failed to heed the warning implicit in the joke. She became infatuated with her client, convicted drug dealer Cameron Douglas (son of actor Michael Douglas) and believed him when he said that if she did just one little (but illegal) thing for him, he would protect her from any negative consequences. Her actions on his behalf set into motion a chain of events that ended in her own public disgrace. In Criminal That I Am Ridha sets the record straight regarding the tabloid press' errors in reporting the story and offers an alternative, face-saving explanation of her own motivations, which I didn't find entirely convincing.

Nonetheless, Criminal That I Am is an engagingly written, at times even humorous, read about getting in over one's head and finding the courage to start over.

Please note that I received an electronic copy of this book to review from NetGalley, but I was not financially compensated in any way. The opinions expressed are my own and are based on my observations while reading this book. ( )