How Winners Successfully Navigate the Criminal Justice System—And How You Can Too!

Aloha,

Got Bail Nick here, celebrating 20 years as a licensed bail agent! Although I should probably be receiving a watch to commemorate my tireless work in the bail industry, I gave up hope of accolades years ago—nobody celebrates bail agents, after all.

But as a gift to YOU, my loyal "Jail Mail" reader, I’m sharing a game plan for success to help anyone exposed to a criminal liability. Please pass along these tried-and-true strategies that the cunning, the rich, and the successful rely on to secure the best possible outcomes.

Step 1: Immediately Consult with a Bail Agent and a Private Attorney

The biggest mistakes in criminal cases happen before charges are even filed. Untouchable people don’t try to talk their way out of trouble—they let the professionals handle it. The first thing you should do if you’ve been exposed to a criminal liability is speak with both a private attorney and a bail agent immediately.

I’ve been blessed throughout my career to personally work with every top criminal defense attorney on Oahu. I inherited relationships from my father with attorney greats such as Brook Hart, Howard Luke, and Reggie Minn, and today, I work with many of the top 20 attorneys on the island, including a new wave of criminal defense talent like Jason Say, Steve Nichols, Jason Burks, and Crystal Glendon. Top attorneys I’ve worked with over the years agree: it’s rarely in your best interest to give a statement to the police.

The idea that you can explain your way out of a situation is a trap. Even if your intentions are good, your words can be twisted to create probable cause for charges—either as a primary defendant or simply a co-defendant caught at the wrong place at the wrong time. The police aren’t there to clear your name—they’re there to build a case. If they really have enough evidence to charge you, let them prove it. It’s not your job to do their work by volunteering information that could hurt you.

Step 2: Invoke Your Right to Remain Silent

There’s a reason the Constitution guarantees your right to remain silent—it’s one of your greatest defenses. Talking to the police only opens the door to self-incrimination. Even correcting a small detail or trying to explain what happened can backfire. Once you’ve said something, it’s on record—and can’t be taken back.

The smart move? Say nothing. Invoke your right to remain silent and demand an attorney. This buys you time to think and ensures you don’t give law enforcement an advantage. Remember, silence isn’t an admission of guilt—it’s a strategic move that the most successful people use to protect themselves.

Step 3: Let Your Attorney Be Your Shield and Sword

As Attorney Myles Breiner—one of the best in the business—says, “Your attorney needs to be your shield and your sword.” Your attorney defends you from government overreach, preventing investigations from turning into charges. At the same time, a good attorney goes on the offensive—filing motions, conducting investigations, and even leveraging the media to your advantage when necessary.

Whether it’s holding law enforcement accountable or building a solid defense strategy, you can’t do it alone. You need someone who knows the game—and how to win.

Beware of “Officer Ho‘owalewale” disguised as “Officer Aloha”

Law enforcement officers can legally lie and manipulate facts during investigations. They often use a “good cop” strategy to make you feel comfortable—I call this officer “Officer Aloha.” He’ll act like he’s on your side, just trying to get to the truth, pretending the investigation isn’t about charging you with a felony or misdemeanor. He might say, “Just tell me what happened, and I’ll help you avoid any charges,” or “If you cooperate, we’ll make sure you’re cleared of any wrongdoing.”

Don’t be fooled. Officer Aloha is not your friend. His job is to charge people with crimes. He uses manipulative tactics to gather information that will only hurt you. Let your guard down, and you’re handing him ammunition.

In truth, Officer Aloha is really just “Officer Ho‘owalewale.” Ho’owalewale, according to ChatGPT, means “to tempt or entice someone, often with deceptive intent,” in Hawaiian, and it perfectly describes how some law enforcement officers use charm and manipulation to mislead you. Officer Ho‘owalewale might say things like, “We need to get this wrapped up within the next 72 hours, so let’s have you come to the station and submit a statement today.” or “This is your only chance to cooperate, or else I can’t help you, or put in a good word for you to the prosecutor’s office.”

Don’t let them pressure you. You are not obligated to respond on their timeline. Instead, let your attorney handle all interactions. You’ll quickly notice how their false urgency disappears when they realize they can’t push around a legal professional who knows your constitutional rights. You’ll notice that when you delegate the responsibility of contacting law enforcement to your attorney or bail agent, it’s rare for officers to actually take the call or return any voicemails left on their lines. It’s almost amusing how predictably they give up. The perfect example of this occurred when attorney Eric Seitz tried to reach out to a warrant team trying to arrest his client, who happened to also be his neighbor. But instead of simply calling him back, so that arrangements could be made to self surrender, law enforcement instead chose to create a hysteria of lies and leak misleading information to the press:

Why You Should Involve a Bail Agent Early

After exposure to criminal liability, consulting a bail agent immediately is just as crucial as hiring an attorney. At A-1 Bail Bonds, we do more than post bail—we monitor indictments and potential warrants. This proactive approach allows us to reach out to clients before they’re officially charged, giving them a chance to prepare.

However, we can’t help you unless we have your name and date of birth. Initiating a relationship early allows us to pre-qualify you for a bail bond and track any new warrants or indictments. This gives you a heads-up before it’s too late, helping you avoid the embarrassment of being arrested at work or at home.

Avoiding Embarrassment and Saving Money by Acting Early

The sooner you involve an attorney, the more likely you are to prevent charges from being filed. Pre-charging legal work is less expensive than defending yourself in court, where the stakes—and the costs—are higher. A modest retainer paid upfront can save you thousands in legal fees by preventing the need for costly litigation.

Most of the damage control happens before charges are filed. Winning the case before it starts—by avoiding charges altogether—is the smartest move you can make. And that’s exactly why you should hire an attorney and consult with A-1 Bail Bonds as early as possible.

Stay Ahead of the Game

Navigating the criminal justice system can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. But you don’t have to figure it out alone. With 20 years of experience, I’ve seen what works—and what doesn’t. The smartest clients hire an attorney early, invoke their right to remain silent, and consult with a reliable bail agent.

At A-1 Bail Bonds, we’re here to help you stay one step ahead. If you have questions or need assistance, call me, Nicholas Lindblad, today. Think these tips will help a friend, feel free to forward this email as well. With the right team on your side, you can come out on top.