How to Handle the Media During a High-Profile Criminal Trial

 Posted on December 20, 2025 in Criminal Defense

Camera crews might be parked outside your house and reporters are calling your phone. Maybe your name is trending on Twitter. You’re seeing strangers posting opinions about you without knowing a single fact. 

Can you believe you’re in this situation? Most people who find themselves here say they can’t, either. When you are facing serious criminal charges in a high-profile case, the media can destroy your defense before you ever step into a courtroom. 

Our Cook County criminal defense attorneys are fearless in the face of media pressure. We handle high-profile and celebrity cases for people accused of extremely serious crimes, including murder and felony federal drug crimes. When you need to navigate both the legal system and the media storm surrounding your case, call Komie and Associates at 312-263-2800.

Can Media Coverage Impact the Outcome of a Criminal Case?

Attorneys have strict rules about what they can say to the media during an ongoing criminal case. But you, as the defendant, face a different problem. You can say anything you want, but the Miranda warning is correct when it comes to public statements as well: Anything you say publicly can be used against you in court. Prosecutors watch the news. They read your social media. They save screenshots of everything.

Jury selection becomes harder when potential jurors already have opinions based on what they’ve seen on Instagram or the news. Even if the judge instructs jurors to ignore news reports, people remember what they saw. 

So, yes: The way the media covers a case can absolutely affect the outcome, which means you need to be careful. One careless statement to a reporter can haunt you throughout your trial.

What Are the Biggest Mistakes Defendants Make in High-Profile Criminal Cases?

Talking to Police Without a Lawyer

Talking to the police or reporters without your attorney present is just about the worst thing you can do. In 2009, ABC News reported that former astronaut Lisa Nowak spoke to police and media after her arrest, making statements that prosecutors used to paint her as unstable and dangerous. Those statements became central to the prosecution's case.

Posting on Social Media

Posting on social media is usually a bad idea as well. Defendants think they can explain their side of the story on Facebook or Twitter, but prosecutors keep everything and are good at twisting the truth. 

Living the High Life

Going out to clubs or other events during an ongoing trial may also be unwise. Think of other celebrity examples – Paris Hilton, Lindsay Logan, Chris Brown – all arrested for DUIs or assault and immediately seen out partying with friends. Don’t give the media material to work with. 

Getting in Fights Online 

Finally, responding to online comments may be tempting but ultimately could be catastrophic. Defendants have created fake social media accounts to argue with strangers online, only to be identified later. 

What Should You Do During a High-Profile Media Trial? 

• Let your attorney handle all media contact. Experienced criminal defense lawyers know how to give statements that protect your rights without hurting your case. They understand what can and cannot be said under Illinois rules of professional conduct.

• Stay completely off social media. Deactivate your accounts if necessary. Even private posts can be subpoenaed and posts from before your arrest can be taken out of context. The safest approach is total silence.

• Ask family and friends not to talk to the media. Explain that their good intentions could harm your defense. Ask them to direct all media inquiries to your attorney.

• Document media harassment. If reporters trespass on your property, call the police. If they follow you or contact you repeatedly after you have declined to comment, your attorney may be able to take action.

• Avoid public places where you might be photographed. Defendants have been photographed at bars, clubs, or expensive restaurants, and prosecutors use those images to suggest they are not taking charges seriously or to contradict claims of financial hardship.

Contact a Cook County, IL Criminal Defense Attorney Today

Our team of Lake County criminal defense lawyers at Komie and Associates has over 50 years of combined experience handling serious charges in cases that attract major media attention. We’ll coach you on how to handle media exposure and protect yourself during your case.

Call Komie and Associates at 312-263-2800 to discuss your case confidentially.