After watching
Girls Gone Wild CEO Joe Francis' interview on FOX News'
On the Record with Greta Van Susteren,
Dog the Bounty Hunter Star
Duane "Dog" Chapman became convinced that Francis has been mistreated by the Florida legal system.
As a result, Chapman has offered to stand up for Francis in court.
"I make this offer to the judge who is keeping Joe Francis behind bars," Chapman said in a press release. "I will co-sign Joe's bond, and if he violates his bail in any way; if he fools me or proves me wrong, I will personally track him down to the ends of the earth at no charge, and bring him back before the judge."
Moreover, Duane Chapman's wife and
Bounty Hunter costar
Beth, owner of a bond company, has offered to personally write the bond for Francis.
Chapman decided to help Francis with his legal woes when he learned through the interview that the 34-year-old producer has been behind bars for more than six months without bail in a case that dates back to 2003.
"I have captured over 6500 bail jumpers and criminals," the
Bounty Hunter star said. "In my years I have seen bail granted to thousands of people charged with far worse crimes than Francis. It's a travesty that this man sits behind bars without having the opportunity to post bond. His rights are being violated."
Although a federal judge in Reno has granted Francis bail for a tax case, the same cannot be said for a judge in Bay County, Florida, whose officials have been after Francis ever since he filed a First Amendment lawsuit against them in 2003. In Florida, Francis is represented by Roy Black.
After watching Francis'
On the Record Interview, Chapman contacted the Washoe County Jail in Reno, Nevada, where Francis is behind as he awaits trial. He introduced himself to Francis, and then got in touch David R. Houston, Francis' lawyer in Nevada, to offer his help in getting Francis out of jail.
"It says a lot that a man like Duane Chapman, who is so familiar with the criminal justice system and with bail specifically, is willing to stand up for Joe in court," Houston said.
Do you think it's right for Dog to help Joe Francis get out of jail?
-Lisa Claustro, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: PR Newswire
(Image Courtesy of FOX News)