Don't do the crime if you can't do the time.

Do not commit a crime or misbehave if you are unprepared or unwilling to accept the consequences should you be caught. A: "Yikes, I just heard Tom is going to prison for eight years for committing burglary." B: "I have no sympathy for him. Don't do the crime if you can't do the time." A: "Dad, you can't ground me for a month—I need to see my friends!" B: "Yeah, well, you're the one who keeps breaking curfew. Don't do the crime if you can't do the time!" Did you really think Mom and Dad wouldn't punish you for sneaking out—again? Don't do the crime if you can't do the time.