But once inside I become a snarling, aggressive potential criminal.

And in any case, a quick glance through the door is a dubious way for anyone to spot a potential criminal.

If imprisonment is feared, potential criminals won't turn to crime.

As a result, police theorize, potential criminals are less likely to carry weapons and ask for trouble in other ways.

He always felt that transportation was a thing that had saved many a potential criminal in the past.

Am I to understand that you consider all these people as potential criminals?

"You can't treat everyone like a potential criminal, or they'll take their business elsewhere."

Maybe he didn't approve of his old man consorting with potential criminals.

That would be to view him as a potential criminal.