Crisis Control With A Bail Bonding Agent

It's 2 a.m. and you've just got off the phone with the local police department. There's been a horrific accident, with multiple injuries and your son is to blame for it all.  He was out celebrating his 21st birthday and by the sounds of it he may now be spending the next 30 birthday's behind bars.  As a public relations and crisis communication expert, I can almost guarantee the local media and perhaps the national syndicated morning television programs will be calling for a comment and interview.  Don't tell them anything, until you've called a local bailbondsman.  Public relations experts aren't always available on high profile cases, but a bail agent is the next best thing.  By hiring someone to handle media requests and other needs you'll be able to focus on your son or loved one facing serious charges.

Bail Agents Love The Limelight

Criminal cases will be highlighted in the local and national media if they fit a certain set of criteria: Is the crime particular heinous or violent? Did the crime affect ore than three people? Is the accused criminal a celebrity?  If your case falls under any of these categories, you can bet a local news reporter will be calling asking for an interview.  In these cases, I recommend you always say "no comment" and direct all questions to your bail bondsman. These guys love to be in the spotlight- it helps their business and makes you look good.  By having someone else field questions from local and national reporter you won't be pressured to reveal incriminating details of your case.  In a high profile criminal case, anything you say to a reporter can be subpoena by the local prosecutor and used as evidence in a jury trial.

Bail Bondsman And Jail House Interviews

If the local reporter would like to speak directly with your son or loved one accused in the high profile criminal case they will need to ask the local jail and prosecutor for permission.  The defendant's bail agent will also need to be present for the interview.  Jail house interviews make great television and is often an effective way for a defendant to tell his or her side of the story and proclaim their innocence. However, be warned, some reporters are deceitful and will take statements out of context to fit their agenda.  You will not have any editorial control over the interview once its complete.  However, you may request to pre-view the interview before it hits air.  If you're not happy with the interview, your local bail bondman can pull some strings and try to have it removed from the station website and airwaves.

Bail Bondsman And The Courtroom

Once your son's jury trial begins, you can expect it to be a three ring circus inside and outside of court.  If this is a high profile case, the trial will be scrutinized from every angle for the duration of the trial.  It's an emotional time, but with some good people around you,  and experts guiding you through the process, you should make it out on the other side okay. As a public relations expert perhaps the most difficult part of a trial is when the defendant's character is called into question.  Take my advice and ignore the negative comments about the case and focus on the positive.  The last thing you want to do is say something in the heat of the moment and then watch it play out again on television later that day on the evening news.

Out of Jail with Bail Agent

If you or your loved one posts bond before the high profile trial begins, it's crucial to follow the terms of your release and avoid any publicity.  Avoiding the spotlight may be difficult to do, so I suggest you invest in a good disguise.  One of my clients once shaved their head and grew a beard, making him virtually unrecognizable.  Think about it.  It might very well be a good look for you.  If shaving your head isn't an option, at least dye your hair or wear a wig.  If you are approached by a reporter while out on bond, again refer all questions to your crisis communication team.  If you have any questions about how to handle high profile cases or the best local companies to hire please email me! I look forward to hearing from you soon.