Cupid's Pulse Article: Celebrity News: Jodie Sweetin’s Ex-Fiance Justin Hodak Sentenced to 6 Years in PrisonCupid's Pulse Article: Celebrity News: Jodie Sweetin’s Ex-Fiance Justin Hodak Sentenced to 6 Years in Prison

By Noelle Downey

There’s nothing, but trouble for former celebrity couple Jodie Sweetin and Justin Hodak this week in celebrity news! According to UsMagazine.com, Hodak has recently been charged with illegal possession of a deadly weapon and threatening a witness with force. He will serve almost seven years in prison, and will then be on probation for five years following his release. Now that the celebrity exes have called it quits following Hodak’s several arrests and violation of the restraining order Sweetin took out against him, Hodak must not post any photos or videos of Sweetin or risk violating the terms of a protective order. He must also complete a 52-week program on domestic violence upon the conclusion of his sentence. Sweetin is a celebrity parent to two children, Beatrix and Zoie, from previous marriages, but Hodak and Sweetin have no children together.

This celebrity news has us troubled. What are some ways to deal with a partner who gets into legal trouble?

Cupid’s Advice:

There’s no way around it, if you’ve ever had a partner or ex who got involved in some troubling illegal activities, that’s bound to lead to tension in your relationship and in your lives. Here are Cupid’s top tips on how to deal with a partner in legal trouble:

1. Consider the offense: Of course, when it comes to a brush with the law, there are varying degrees of legal offenses. You should react differently based on whether your partner has, for example, been caught planning and executing elaborate heists or shoplifting petty items at a drugstore. So first things first, when a partner gets involved in some kind of crime, stop and consider the offense. It’s important to recognize the nuances of legality and while many crimes should give you serious pause about continuing the relationship, others may be something you can work through as a couple.

Related Link: Celebrity News: Jodie Sweetin Speaks Out After Drama-Filled Split from Fiance Justin Hodak

2. Make sure you and your children are safe: Of course, sometimes the answer is clear already. If a partner has been charged with violent tendencies, domestic abuse, or owning a violent weapon and you feel that you are in some kind of danger, act immediately. Go to the police and express your concerns, and then reach out to family and friends to help you through this difficult time, whether that be by staying at your place or opening their home to you so you have a place you can go where you can feel safe and secure. The first priority in situations like that should be making sure that you and any children you have are safe so that you can start re-building your lives without the negative influence of your ex.

Related Link: Celebrity News: Jodie Sweetin Ends Engagement to Justin Hodak and Gets Restraining Order

3. Talk to your partner: If the situation is such that you are surprised by the alleged crimes your partner is accused of, try getting a moment to talk to them. Many times if the offense is not major, you will have the opportunity to pay bail and speak to your partner as a “free” individual once more. Have an open conversation with your partner and ask them why they did what they did. Be honest about how hurt and betrayed you feel by their dishonest actions and then figure out if there’s a way you can work through it together, if that’s what you want.

Have you ever had a partner run into legal trouble? How did you handle it? Let us know in the comments!