NCJ Number
170740
Journal
Advocate Volume: 18 Issue: 5 Dated: (September 1996) Pages: 33-35
Date Published
1996
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Because criminal trials are always newsworthy, criminal defense lawyers should be prepared to talk to the media at some point and should employ strategies to prevent their remarks from being misconstrued.
Abstract
Criminal defense lawyers should identify one to three main points they want the reporter to present, reinforce the importance of these points, and make brief concise remarks. In certain circumstances, they can volunteer to get the requested information and respond later. If the reporter asks a question they do not like, they can ask for clarification before responding. In television interviews, they should maintain eye contact with the questioner, not with the camera, in order to appear more natural and sincere. Criminal defense lawyers have not always been treated fairly in the media, and they should train themselves to deal with the media in ways that communicate the best facts about their work.