What to Do If the Media Is Calling You a Criminal Before Trial

 Posted on June 20, 2025 in Uncategorized

For high-profile individuals accused of a crime, the damage begins long before any courtroom proceedings. A single headline can destroy a reputation, derail a career, or end a business relationship. If you are facing charges for a serious offense like DUI, embezzlement, domestic violence, or any crime that tends to attract public scrutiny, you need more than legal defense. You need protection — legal, reputational, and strategic — from the very start.

Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C. has handled over 20,000 criminal cases, including those involving public figures, executives, and professionals with everything to lose. Our experienced, discreet DuPage County, IL criminal defense lawyers understand how media exposure changes the stakes, and we have the experience to fight back on every front.

Why the Public Narrative Matters Even Before Trial

In Illinois, you are presumed innocent until proven guilty, but the media often flips that standard on its head. Journalists may rely on police press releases, incomplete evidence, or dramatic mugshots to frame a story that sells. Once your name is published alongside words like "charged," "arrested," or "investigation," the damage begins. Friends disappear. Employers retreat. Jurors Google. Even if the charges are later dropped or reduced, the headline remains.

For high-profile individuals, the impact of media coverage can be permanent. That is why controlling the narrative early is critical and why your attorney must be prepared to manage both the courtroom and the public fallout.

How Our Criminal Defense Lawyers Can Protect You in the Public Eye

A defense lawyer is not just someone who files motions and negotiates plea deals. In high-visibility cases, your lawyer also serves as your shield against the worst consequences of pretrial publicity. This may include advising you on what to say — or not to say — to the press, preparing public statements, filing motions to seal or limit access to arrest records, and even requesting gag orders when necessary.

A skilled defense lawyer will also take steps to ensure that the prosecution is held accountable for leaks, press conferences, or other tactics that may prejudice your case. Every step is geared toward protecting your legal rights and preserving your future.

Why You Should Avoid Speaking to the Media if You Are Facing Criminal Charges

No matter how false the accusations feel, speaking publicly without guidance can backfire. Anything you say may be quoted selectively, twisted out of context, or used against you in court. Prosecutors have access to media statements and will use them when they can. Even vague public comments can be interpreted as admissions, inconsistencies, or attempts to influence the case.

That does not mean you must remain silent forever, but it does mean you need someone who can advise you strategically, with full awareness of how your words may be used against you.

Your Right to a Fair Trial Includes Your Right to Be Defended Outside the Courtroom

Our firm understands how to navigate criminal charges when your reputation is on the line. Whether you are facing DUI allegations as a public figure, accusations of financial misconduct as a business executive, or domestic violence charges in a contested divorce, we will be ready with a plan that defends your rights and safeguards your future.

Contact a Rolling Meadows, IL Criminal Defense Lawyer 

If you are facing criminal charges and public judgment, do not wait. Contact a Lake in the Hills, IL criminal defense attorney at Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C.. We have handled over 20,000 criminal cases and are trusted by high-profile clients for a reason. Our 24-hour answering service ensures your call will be answered, and we are available for consultations whenever you need us. Call 630-786-6062 today.