subject: The Problem with Idolizing Hollywood from a DUI Perspective [print this page] The Problem with Idolizing Hollywood from a DUI Perspective
The vast majority of us have a favorite actor and actress that we love to keep updated about, watching their latest movies, searching online for the latest gossip, and sometimes doing things to be as much like that person as possible. This is harmless in many cases, resulting in posters on the walls, perhaps a bad haircut or fashion statement, and even changing favorite color or food to emulate that person. For most, this is a fad that is outgrown after the teen years, but some have to have a reality check to realize that they are famous, but still human.
A Common Mistake for Hollywood-ites
There is no proof that famous people are more or less penalized in court when they make mistakes, although many people think that they are punished less for criminal and civil issues than the average Joe or Jane. As a matter of fact, many cases involving celebrities, whether the charges are criminal or civil, are highly publicized, which the average Joe never has to face. The social stigma is what is most important for a celebrity, since this has a direct effect on that person's potential earnings.
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol charges are some of the most commonly seen charges in the celebrity world, with dozens of actors, actresses, music icons, sports figures, and key political figures being arrested and charged yearly. You can do a quick internet search and find many legendary names, from many walks of life, listed as having been arrested on DUI charges.
What Happens When You Emulate a Celebrity?
Obviously, this is no advice column that lists all of the many positive and negative ways that emulating a celebrity can change your life, but from a practical attorney's standpoint, you can argue that most are not in the positive category. Many of us already lean toward the extravagant side when it comes to spending, and adopting a Hollywood lifestyle will almost never curb those spending habits. In fact, it will usually make them much worse instead.
The DUI situation can be similar, as people see celebrities receive what they perceive to be drastically reduced sentences and make the mistake of believing that they will have the same outcome. Not everyone has a tragic accident every time they drive under the influence, but that potential outcome is looming every single trip. Celebrities pay in many different ways, and sometimes spend time incarcerated just like the rest of us, and you should be very careful what you wish for when you want to emulate someone famous with a DUI history.
This information is provided solely for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.
