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.
