Something about the mix of star-power and Lady Justice seems to capture the public’s fancy. Celebrity court cases make for big headlines — and, contrary to popular belief, stars don’t always get off with a slap on the wrist.
Paris Hilton
When the hotel heiress was arrested and charged with alcohol-related reckless driving, it caused a ripple. When the heiress was pulled over again while on probation and slapped with a charge of driving with a suspended license, those ripples turned into waves. And when L.A. prosecutors recommended that Hilton be sent to jail for violating her probation, a sea of reporters and photographers flooded the courthouse awaiting her fate.
Outcome: A judge sentenced Hilton to 45 days in county jail despite the Hilton family’s protestations.
Lil’ Kim
The rapper found herself in jail for lying to a federal grand jury investigating a 2001 shootout involving members of her entourage outside New York radio station Hot 97. Her 2005 conviction sparked a media frenzy, and Lil’ Kim added to it by filming a BET reality show about the days before she was to begin serving her prison term.
Outcome: Kim served 10 months in jail and was feted with a “welcome back” party upon her release. She has since largely stayed out of the public eye.
Martha Stewart
Stewart’s detractors made her out to be a stock-selling villain while her supporters said she was a scapegoat for other high-profile corporate scandals. Either way, her trial and jail time became such big news that the lifestyle guru was even credited for sparking a fashion trend when she left prison in a poncho.
Outcome: Stewart served 5 months in a federal women’s prison and five more on house arrest. She then starred on a short-lived spinoff of “The Apprentice” and continues to host her syndicated talk show.
Pete Doherty
Doherty, frontman for Babyshambles and formerly co-leader of The Libertines, is known for dating model Kate Moss, but also for a long rap sheet littered with drug-related arrests. In March of 2006, on one of his many exits from court, he reportedly kicked a reporter in the arm after pleading guilty to seven charges of possessing drugs.
Outcome: Doherty has been undergoing drug rehabilitation under court supervision following his numerous arrests.
