Former major leaguer, Jim Leyritz, is accused of causing an alcohol related crash in Ft. Lauderdale in 2007. Authorities claim that the former Yankee drove his sport utility vehicle through a red light and collided with another driver. The victim later died at the hospital. Leyritz had a blood alcohol level of .14; almost twice the legal limit of .08. Test results showed that the victim's blood alcohol level was also elevated over the legal limit. Police arrested Leyritz and charged him with DUI manslaughter. He is currently out on bond and faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison if convicted. Trial is set for September of this year.
Leyritz is a well known baseball player. He has played for six different professional teams for a total of eleven seasons. Attorney John Musca questions whether it is possible for celebrities to receive a fair trial as granted to all Americans by our fore fathers.
The Sixth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights states that each American has the right to a fair, speedy trial with an impartial jury in a Court of law. With news that travels as fast as the internet and mainstream media that is hungry for the latest story, privacy is hard to come by for a celebrity. Judges are forced to juggle the sixth amendment rights of the accused with the first amendment rights of the media: the right to freedom of speech and press.
If the details, rumors or facts of a crime involving a celebrity become too overexposed, the Defense will likely file a Motion for a Change of Venue to another county or jurisdiction. The Defense will then have to prove at hearing that the Defendant's right to a fair trial has been compromised.
Another difference that may influence a fair trial for celebrities is that they almost always decide to assemble a team of competent attorneys to fight the charges against them. Qualified attorneys translates to the best results for the accused within the courtroom. If you face a charge of DUI or are involved in another criminal case, contact an experienced attorney for guidance. A knowledgeable lawyer will make all of the difference when it comes to the outcome of your case.
