The media frenzy surrounding Amber Heard and Johnny Depp’s civil defamation trial was unprecedented for Hollywood. This controversial court case has had worldwide attention, due in no small part to its principals’ high-profile nature, making it unique within the legal arena. The case has also been covered by mainstream news outlets, with many commentators expressing their opinions. Not to mention interest from the public who followed this story closely on social media. It doesn’t escape our notice that celebrities can command large amounts of publicity, especially when involved in a highly publicized lawsuit. We have decided to take some time out and look at how to protect yourself if you find yourself caught up in one of these High Profiles Cases.
While we have a lot of experience with cases like these and know what happens next, here we aim to discuss important issues surrounding lawsuits such as; What exactly constitutes a High Profile Case?, Severity of High Profile Cases, Why should you hire a lawyer to represent you in court?.
After reading through this article, we hope you will feel more informed, prepared, and, most importantly, confident in your defense should you become embroiled in a High Profile Suit.
What is a High Profile Case?
High-profile cases usually concern a person who holds an influential position in society, whether political, commercial, religious or otherwise. People will pay much closer attention to information about them than others and therefore get more exposure, whether good or bad.
Sometimes lawyers use the term ‘high profile’ to describe cases involving wealthy parties. Regardless of the context, there is one thing common between all high-profile cases – the amount of scrutiny and resulting hype surrounding the event.
“A rough definition of a high-profile case is a case that attracts enough media or public attention that the courts must or should make significant alterations to ordinary court procedures to manage it.”
A high-profile case can occur in any jurisdiction at any time. A court’s resources and staff may be stretched to their limits during a high-profile case. This could be due to a celebrity being accused of domestic violence, a politician accused of having sexual misconduct allegations against them, a professional athlete accused of fraud, a corporate scandal, or anything similar.
A judge may also face extra pressure because the media question their decisions. In addition, judges are under pressure to try and satisfy the public by issuing harsh sentences.
High-profile cases are always in the public eye.
When you are a prominent figure in society, whether a politician, a sports star, or a business leader, you are bound to be in the public eye; this means that if you do something wrong, it will be reported worldwide. Your name will be dragged through the mud, and you will be the center of attention. This is precisely what happens when you become involved in a high-profile case.
High-profile cases attract a lot of attention.
People tend to become fascinated by anything significant. Whether a political scandal, a criminal trial, or a civil suit, a high-profile case will draw attention to itself and sparks an intense debate among the public. People will watch, read and access public court documents and discuss your case differently. They will see you as a victim, a defendant, somebody whose reputation has been damaged, a person with power and influence, etc.
High profile cases create interest to the general public:
If a case involves a celebrity or politician, then the general public will be very interested in the case’s outcome. They might even get involved and show support for one side or another.
Cases with ‘whodunit’ mysteries can captivate people and make a case the talk of the town. When something outrageous happens, people want to know what happened and why it happened to them. This can lead to a lot of curiosity and media coverage. Thus making it a high-profile case.
High-profile cases create interest in the media:
The media is interested in any newsworthy story. If it involves a famous person, then it is even more interesting. The media will cover the story from every angle and report to the public what is happening. This makes it a high-profile case for the media too.
High-profile cases usually involve a lot of money:
If a case involves a large amount of money, this will attract lots of press coverage. This means more people will be talking about it and watching how it plays out. As such, it is a high-profile case for everyone involved.
Even a case with no news value can become a topic of discussion amongst the public. Speculation and allegations can spread like wildfire throughout social media. It is common for rumors to start circulating before a case begins. Stories can be started by anyone who wants to cause trouble or gain publicity. These can be true or false, but they can still create a lot of noise. Such rumors can bring a great deal of media attention to a case that may otherwise have gone unnoticed. In this sense, a case becomes high-profile because of the rumor mill.
A high-profile case can damage your reputation. Even if you did nothing wrong, being accused of doing something wrong can tarnish your image and leave a bad taste in people’s mouths. A negative perception of you will follow you around for life. When dealing with a high-profile case, one must be wary of making statements that seem too negative. It is always best to approach a high-profile case with caution.
Our experienced high-profile, and celebrity attorneys at Levine and Blit are here to help you through this difficult time. Representing high-profile cases requires a unique set of skills, experience, and knowledge. We understand how difficult it is to deal with high-profile cases and the importance of protecting your rights and reputation.
At Levine & Blit, we take pride in our work and strive to ensure that our clients receive the most favorable results possible. Call us at 866-392-0547 to request a free case evaluation today.
The severity of High-profile Cases
A criminal conviction is usually an upsetting and life-disrupting experience. When the criminal trials become high-profile, it can be even more devastating, as the media glare and public scrutiny can make an already difficult situation even worse. Increased public awareness of your case can pressure the prosecution to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. Intense media coverage can make it challenging to find an impartial jury, and you may be judged more harshly by the public if you are convicted.
Although public policy expresses the desire to deal harshly with criminals, the Constitution guarantees certain rights to each defendant. The system is set up to provide every defendant with every opportunity to disprove charges. Even when the evidence against a defendant is overwhelming, many ways to fight back still exist.
Our defense attorney at the Levine & Blit firm understands these rights and ideals, and we also possess a deep understanding of government prosecutions. Below is a set of examples of the severity of high-profile cases. If you face the prospect of being prosecuted, you must contact the firm to schedule an initial consultation.
Murder
Unlike many other crimes involving death, murder and homicide are generally considered the most severe crimes under the law. Consequently, the punishments are the harshest, including the death penalty in cases involving first-degree murder.
Vehicular Manslaughter
A crime involves the death of another person while driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, gross negligence, and speeding. In most cases, vehicular manslaughter is a misdemeanor, but it may also be a felony, depending on the circumstances. The suspect may be sentenced to several years in prison if found guilty.
Kidnapping
There is no crime more emotionally challenging to deal with than kidnapping, and it’s even more complicated when a child is kidnapped, as it awakens the world’s attention. An individual convicted of kidnapping faces serious consequences. In many instances, trials related to kidnapping are often complex, fast-paced, and challenging to handle without a high degree of experience and skill on the defendant’s part.
Assault
When a defendant commits an assault, they can be charged with a serious crime, and depending on the circumstances surrounding the case; the defendant may face a short or lengthy jail sentence.
Federal Crimes Defense
Defendants charged with federal crimes face completely different adversaries in the federal government than they would in a state. Federal criminal laws cover a wide range of offenses, from those concerning international terrorism to others dealing with corruption among city officials. To prevail against these accusations, you will need an attorney specializing in federal crimes defense.
High-profile cases can garner a great deal of media attention. In some instances, this might work in a defendant’s favor by bringing more awareness to their cause and rallying public support. However, more often than not, the high level of scrutiny can make it challenging to get a fair trial. In these cases, it is even more critical to have an experienced and aggressive legal team on your side.
You deserve a strong defense if you are charged with high-profile or other crimes. We encourage you to schedule a consultation with the Levine & Blit Law Firm today.
The History of High-profile Cases in the US
As citizens of the United States, we care about our past and present as much as we do our future. Numerous notable people commit crimes against society yearly and are brought to court after being caught. High-profile cases have always had a prominent role in the history of the United States.
In 1865, the assassination of Abraham Lincoln had deemed a high-profile case. The assassination has since become known as the first Presidential Assassination in history, resulting in a long period of mourning in the United States. This was closely followed by the murder of President John F. Kennedy in 1963, another highly publicized case. The news shocked the entire nation. The television coverage during these events was unprecedented in the scale-up until that point. It left many with lasting impressions.
The prosecution in the OJ Simpson trial was another famous high-profile criminal case. Americans from coast to coast watched every twist and turn of the case. From the moment Simpson was named a suspect to when the jury delivered its verdict. Despite being acquitted in criminal proceedings, Simpson was found liable for the deaths in a civil proceeding.
From the 1960s until now, the American legal system and the Judiciary of New York have seen countless high-profile cases. Some involved celebrities such as John Lennon, Malcolm X, and Lamont Coleman (Big L). Today, high-profile cases continue to be a significant part of the legal landscape. A recent example includes the murder of George Floyd and subsequent protests across the country.
Over the years, numerous high-profile lawsuits have been filed against celebrities and public figures. At Levine & Blit, our attorneys represent thousands of litigants who face issues related to their reputations. Contact our office at 866-392-0547 or email us for more information on how celebrity lawyers in NYC can assist victims of high-profile crimes.
Levine and Blit – Elite High-Profile Defense Attorney in New York
Levine & Blit is dedicated to providing top-notch legal representation and a range of comprehensive services that can be adapted to meet the unique legal needs of its high-profile clients. Our team of reputable and talented attorneys understands the complex nature of litigation involving high-profile cases.
We are forces to be reckoned with in high-profile matters. If you need an aggressive attorney to win in the courtroom, look no further than our law firm. Contact us today at 866-392-0547.
From court representation to settlement negotiations, we offer professional guidance and effective solutions for your circumstances. Our goal is to help high-profile defendants navigate the legal complexities of high-profile cases, including defamation suits, personal injury suits, and breach of contract claims.
At Levine & Blit, we treat each client like family. Whether defending a celebrity against an allegation of sexual misconduct or representing a doctor accused of medical malpractice, we deliver outstanding results while treating our clients with respect and dignity. With over 100+ years of combined experience, our reputation speaks volumes about our ability to handle all types of complicated high-profile criminal cases to get you the best possible outcome.
Whether you are from New York City or anywhere in State, call our hotline at 866-392-0547 if you want legal counsel regarding a high-profile case. We’ll immediately reach out to you, make sure you’re comfortable with our rates, discuss your options, and then schedule a Free Case Evaluation with one of our experienced lawyers.