Chapter 3
Honestly Analyze Your Situation
Procrastination and denial are your enemies.
Time is not your ally. Time is conspiring with procrastination and denial
to keep you ignorant of the harsh reality.
They are whispering in your ear not to worry, everything is going to be
fine. Do not listen to the lies!
You must
push through the depression. You must take action to minimize the damage and
protect your family or your prison time will be filled with guilt and regret
while your family suffers from your inaction.
Many
inmates who reviewed this manual wished they had what you have right now- The
information in this manual and the time to get it done.
Start by
answering these two questions. Be honest and be brief. You can go back later to
edit or expand your responses:
*What am I
accused of?
* What are
the worst case scenarios?
What Am I Accused of?
Along with
the official or anticipated charges, write a short statement about the
government case. Right now don’t
worry about your side of the story.
Reflect on why you are in legal trouble.
1.
What am I accused of?
What are the Worst-Case Scenarios?
Is
probation really a viable option? Or
is 15 years more likely? Right now
don’t concern yourself with loop holes or an acquittal.
It is
important to take a strong look at the really bad outcome.
Not because they are likely, but because when you accept the worst-case,
everything better is a relief.
Keep this
statement to yourself. Share it with
no one.
1.
What is the worst case scenario?
What is My Side of the Story?
Now it is
time to tell your story. Write it
out be honest. This part of the
exercise is difficult because a defensive mechanism kicks in to .. Well, justify
or minimize your situation. Try to
be brutally honest.
1.
My Story?
Public Relations Statement
When you
watch the news you see attorneys or family friends making prepared statements to
the cameras. You need to put
together a public relations statement that covers the important points in an
honest manner that puts you in the best light.
Some times
a disaster is a disaster any way it gets told.
The level of humility and the depth of honesty will determine the amount
of support you’ll receive.
Write it
out. After you have worked out a
statement you like walk away for a hour or two, maybe even overnight.
Come back later and read it.
Make changes then walk away again until you come back to something you feel
comfortable with.
Read it out
loud time and again, memorize it.
This is going to be your PR story to family and friends.
1.
What do I want to say?
Talking Points
Think about
questions family and friends may ask.
How are they going to react, even more important, how are you going to
handle those reactions?
Make a list
of talking points as if you were going to be on television.
You have to
be honest, but you also want to be comfortable with your answers. You want to
build a public relations bridge between you and your audience that you are
willing to take responsibility while deflecting harsh criticisms.
Take the
punches you have to without being offended. Keep in mind you need supporters now
and you will need them even more later.
The less
you say the better. Keep your answers short and concise..
Talking points:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.