DEAR BABS: If an artist wants to make a work of art, say put something up in public, or appropriate an image, or orchestrate a prank, or just… ya know… do something that’s likely to draw attention from the police, what should they do if they need legal advice? Like, free, or at least really cheap legal advice? Of course, I’m asking for a friend… ”

Neil Thomas, North Hollywood, CA

DEAR NEIL: Good question! This one I really needed to go to the experts. I contacted street artist Robbie Conal who truly is an expert. And he’s at it again with this presidency and its goons. His recent show at Track 16 in LA killed it. He was only too glad to give some sound advice to you would-be guerrillas. Thank you Robbie! Here you go:

When a person or organization is ready to do some public midnight mischief that might qualify as a minor form of civil disobedience (for a righteous cause, of course, say, like satire), the smartest thing to do is to contact a local chapter of the National Lawyers Guild—www.nlg.org. The NLG has helped me and my volunteers in many cities around the country, both on the streets and in the courts. Tell its representative when, where and what you’re planning to do. Ask for advice on the local civic mood about this kind of action and whether or not the NLG would be willing to represent you—pro bono—if and when you might be apprehended by local police for what should be a minor code violation, especially if you and your peeps follow “Robbie’s Rules of Guerrilla Etiquette.” (Check for the eight pages of them on my website: www.robbieconal.com. Just click on GUERRILLA on the home page,.) Best of luck with your project and please do something intelligent out there, okay?