CELEBRITY JUSTICE AGAIN? KERRY KENNEDY FOUND NOT GUILTY

When a celebrity is charged with a crime, it becomes a newsworthy story because of the person’s status, and because we think the person should know better. When the same celebrity is acquitted, we may think that celebrity justice is afoot.

To some, this was the case of Kerry Kennedy, a socialite who is part of the famed Kennedy dynasty. She was charged with driving under the influence of a controlled substance in July 2012 after she reportedly was speeding and swerving through traffic before hitting a semi-truck. Authorities alleged that she was under the influence of Ambien, a fast-acting prescription sleep aid. 

Kennedy did not deny that she had taken the drug before she got behind the wheel, but claimed that she did so mistakenly, and that she initially thought she was taking a thyroid pill, which was similar in size to the Ambien pill. Because of this, jurors had to decide whether her alibi was genuine and viable, and strong enough to merit an acquittal. Ultimately, the jury of four men and two women found that the prosecution did not meet its burden in proving each and every element of the claims against her.

Regardless of what you may think of Ms. Kennedy or whether she was guilty or not, one thing is for certain, an experienced criminal defense attorney is helpful in answering to criminal charges. A skilled lawyer can analyze your case and inform you of all of the viable defenses available as well as the likelihood that you can be successful at trial. 

Source: USAToday.com “Kerry Kennedy acquitted of drugged driving,” Eric Shilling, Feb. 28, 2014