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30 Times Celebrities Thought They Were Above the Law

In the glittering world of fame and fortune, some celebrities have found themselves in a harsh spotlight they never anticipated: the cold glare of the law. These 30 stars, accustomed to red carpets and adoring fans, discovered that their fame couldn't shield them from the consequences of their actions. From Hollywood A-listers to music icons, reality TV stars to sports legends, this diverse group shared a common misconception – that their celebrity status placed them above the law of the land.

Many offenses ranged from tax evasion and possession to more serious crimes like assault and fraud. Some faced minor legal hiccups, while others encountered life-altering convictions. Regardless of the severity, each case served as a stark reminder that in the eyes of the law, fame holds no sway. This collection of cautionary tales demonstrates that when it comes to justice, no amount of star power can outshine the long arm of the law.

Zsa Zsa Gabor

Zsa Zsa Gabor

All hail the queen of glamour and dramatic life events, Zsa Zsa Gabor! In 1989, the Hungarian-American socialite made headlines for all the wrong reasons. It seems the fashion icon had a bit too much fun driving her Rolls-Royce and ended up causing a car accident. But wait, there's more!

To make matters worse, the legendary diva proceeded to slap a police officer who arrived on the scene, resulting in her immediate arrest. The icing on the cake? Her mugshot, with perfectly coiffed hair and a sly smirk, could easily pass as a Vogue cover.

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Robert Downey Jr.

Robert Downey Jr.

We love a guy that's turned his life around. Robet Downey Jr is now one of the most famous actors in the world, but he had an extremely rocky start. When Downey first got his start, he had major issues with illegal substances and alcohol. He was arrested a total of six times.

All this happened in the '90s, and you'd think that he was headed for an early grave. Thankfully, he turned his life around. Much of his recovery is due to his wife, and Downey has said so on several occasions. It took a lot of hard work, but we're glad he figured his life out. 

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Michelle Rodriguez

Michelle Rodriguez

Michelle Rodriguez's need for speed landed her in hot water with multiple DUI and driving-related charges in the 2000s. Between Hawaii and Los Angeles, Rodriguez's rap sheet was longer than the "Fast and Furious" franchise. Thankfully, she's since traded in her wild ways for a more low-key lifestyle.

In 2003, she was arrested in Hollywood for DUI, hit-and-run, and driving with an expired license, receiving probation and community service. In 2005, she was arrested again in Hawaii for DUI, violating probation, and receiving brief jail time.

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Justin Bieber

Justin Bieber

We all have moments we'd rather not relive, but Justin Bieber's DUI arrest in 2014 takes the cake. I mean, who can forget the mugshot with that smirk? It's a reminder that even the biggest stars make mistakes. But let's be real, who hasn't made questionable decisions as a young adult?

Bieber's wild antics may have been amplified by his fame, but he's at least turned his life around since. And hey, at least he didn't cause any serious harm to himself or others. Maybe we can all learn something from his past missteps, whether it's to make better choices or just to steer clear of Miami nightlife.

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Todd and Julie Chrisley

Todd and Julie Chrisley

Husband and wife duo Todd and Julie Chrisley first rose to fame thanks to their reality show, Chrisley Knows Best, which followed their work in the real estate business. Sometimes it looked like their lavish lifestyle was too good to be true, and after their legal scandal, it appears that it was! 

In 2022, both Todd and Julie were found guilty of numerous financial crimes, including bank fraud and tax evasion. After a highly publicized, weeks-long trial, the Chrisleys were sentenced to twelve years (Todd) and seven years (Julie). Even after their convictions, the couple maintain their innocence and blame the crimes on business partners. 

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Kevin Hart

Kevin Hart

Funny man Kevin Hart wasn't laughing when he got busted for DUI in 2013. After nearly colliding with a gas tanker truck, Hart's night took a turn for the "Ride Along" sequel no one asked for.

He had been caught speeding and nearly collided with a gas tanker truck. Hart later pleaded no contest to the charges and was sentenced to probation, fines, and an alcohol education program. He has since spoken about the incident as a learning experience.

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Shia LaBeouf

Shia LaBeouf

Shia LaBeouf may have a bit of a troubled past when it comes to brushes with the law, but let's be honest: his mugshot game is on point. Sure, his 2014 arrest for disorderly conduct, harassment, and criminal trespassing may not be something to brag about, but that goofy grin he's sporting in the booking photo is something to admire.

It's almost as if LaBeouf is saying, "yeah, I messed up, but at least I did it with style."

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Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake was arrested on June 18th, 2024 for driving while intoxicated on Long Island, New York, according to authorities. He is expected to be arraigned in Sag Harbor, a coastal village in the Hamptons. Guess things got a little wild on a...Monday night? 

Timberlake, a former Disney Mouseketeer and 'NSYNC member, has a successful solo music and acting career, winning ten Grammy Awards and four Primetime Emmy Awards. Recently, he made headlines due to Britney Spears' memoir and released a new album, "Everything I Thought It Was," in March. Maybe there's trouble in paradise? 

(Image via Sag Harbor Police Department)

The Situation

The Situation

Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino first rose to fame as a cast member on MTV's reality show, Jersey Shore. Because of his obnoxious behavior on screen, he became a figure that viewers loved to hate. After his fame on the show, Sorrentino continued appearing on TV on shows like Dancing with the Stars and Celebrity Big Brother

However, it appears that The Situation got himself in quite the situation when it was discovered her wasn't paying his fair share to Uncle Sam. He was charged with tax evasion of more than $8 million in 2014. Sorrentino pleaded guilty to the charges against him in 2018 and served an eight-month prison sentence. He appears to have stayed out of legal trouble since then. 

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Scottie Scheffler

Scottie Scheffler

Scottie Scheffler, the current world #1 golfer, was briefly detained by police outside Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky on May 17, 2024 on his way to participate in the PGA Championship. CNN suggests there was a "misunderstanding" during a traffic stop, which led to his arrest for second-degree assault of a police officer, criminal mischief, reckless driving, and disregarding signals from officers. He was subsequently released from custody and made his way back to the Valhalla Golf Club for the tournament's second round. Here is Scheffler's official statement: 

"This morning, I was proceeding as directed by police officers. It was a very chaotic situation, understandably so considering the tragic accident that had occurred earlier, and there was a big misunderstanding of what I thought I was being asked to do. I never intended to disregard any of the instructions. I’m hopeful to put this to the side and focus on golf today. Of course, all of us involved in the tournament express our deepest sympathies to the family of the man who passed away in the earlier accident this morning. It truly puts everything in perspective."

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Suzanne Somers

Suzanne Somers

Back in 1970, actress Suzanne Somers found herself in a bit of a predicament. Unable to pay her bills, she took matters into her own hands and started writing bad checks to cover her expenses. However, like most great plans, they don't always go as anticipated...

Somers was eventually caught and charged. Despite the setback, Somers went on to become a TV icon, starring in beloved shows like Three's Company and Step by Step. And of course, she became possibly even more famous for her workout videos and health advice.

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Mel Gibson

Mel Gibson

Mel Gibson, once a prominent actor and director, was arrested in 2006 for driving under the influence (DUI) in Malibu, California. During his arrest, Gibson made anti-Semitic remarks and launched into a profanity-laced tirade against the arresting officer. The incident sparked widespread controversy and criticism, and Gibson was widely condemned for his behavior.

Gibson later apologized for his remarks and sought help for his alcohol addiction. Despite the incident, Gibson has continued to work in the film industry and has received numerous awards for his work.

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Nick Nolte

Nick Nolte

Back in 2002, Nick Nolte had one too many and ended up behind bars for driving under the influence. But what really caught people's attention was his unforgettable mugshot. With hair that seemed to have its own gravitational pull, a vibrant Hawaiian shirt, and a crazed look in his eyes, Nolte's booking photo became an instant classic.

While everyone remembers that mugshot, here we have one of his most flattering mugshots ever, which was taken back in 1961. He was arrested for selling fake draft cards.

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Bill Cosby

Bill Cosby

Bill Cosby, the once-beloved comedian, was arrested back in 2015 for drugging and assaulting a woman over a decade prior. And it's not like this was the first time he faced such accusations; dozens of women had come forward before. But it took another comedian, Hannibal Buress, mentioning Cosby's crimes in a standup routine to really shine a light on his misdeeds.

Finally, in 2017, he was found guilty and sentenced to some well-deserved time behind bars. It was a big moment for those seeking justice for abuse survivors—and a big blow to Cosby's legacy.

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Lindsay Lohan

Lindsay Lohan

Lindsay's rap sheet is longer than the line at Starbucks on a Monday morning. From DUIs to theft to even assaulting a woman in a nightclub, she has had her fair share of run-ins with the law. And let's not forget the countless mugshots that have been plastered all over the internet. It's almost like she was trying to collect them all like Pokémon cards.

But in all seriousness, it's clear Lindsay has had some personal struggles that have played out very publicly. Now that she's becoming a mother, here's hoping she can turn things around and keep the mugshots in the past.

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Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon

Well, well, well, it seems even America's sweetheart can't escape the consequences of bad decisions. Reese Witherspoon, known for her wholesome image on and off screen, was caught in a less-than-glamorous moment in 2013 when she and her then-husband, Jim Toth, were arrested for driving while intoxicated and resisting arrest.

But what really captured everyone's attention was the footage of Reese's reaction when she was pulled over. It's safe to say that it was not the poised and polished demeanor we're used to seeing from the actress. 

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Geoffrey Paschel

Geoffrey Paschel

No crime is a good crime, but many of the reality stars on this list found themselves tied up in financial misdeeds. However, some stars' stories are much darker than fraud or theft, including Geoffrey Paschel who first rose to fame after appearing on the TLC reality show 90 Day Fiance

According to the charges against him, Paschel attacked his girlfriend at the time and prevented her from leaving his residence. The woman managed to eventually flee to a neighbor's house and Paschel was arrested. In 2022, Paschel was sentenced to 18 years in prison without the possibility of parole for his crimes. 

(Image via Instagram)

Steve McQueen

Steve McQueen

Well, well, well—it seems even the "King of Cool" is prone to a little bit of trouble now and then. Steve McQueen found himself on the wrong side of the law in 1972 when he was arrested for drunk driving and speeding. 

But, as the saying goes, when life gives you lemons, make peace signs. And that's exactly what McQueen did, throwing up a peace sign for the camera like it was just another day at the office.

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Randy Travis

Randy Travis

The country crooner may be known for his tunes, but in 2012, he made headlines for his drunken shenanigans. After a DUI incident in Texas, he crashed his car and was discovered butt-naked on the side of the road. Yikes.

Despite pleading guilty, Randy got off pretty easy with just probation, community service, and some time in alcohol treatment. Lesson learned? Uh, we'll see.

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Teresa Giudice

Teresa Giudice

To say that Teresa Giudice has a bit of a temper problem would be an understatement. Giudice made her first television appearances on The Real Housewives of New Jersey and is probably most infamous for flipping a table during an argument with fellow housewife Danielle Staub. However, it wasn't her temper that got her in trouble with the law. 

Instead, Giudice (and her husband, Joe) were charged with several counts of fraud and lying on loan applications. In 2014, she pleaded guilty to the charges against her and was sentenced to 15 months in prison. Giudice began her sentence in 2015 but only served about 12 months before being released early. 

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Michael Phelps

Michael Phelps

Olympic golden boy Michael Phelps proved that even the most decorated athlete can make a splash in the world of DUIs. With arrests in 2004 and 2014, Phelps traded in his gold medals for a probation officer and a serious wake-up call.

In 2004, he was arrested in Salisbury, Maryland, at age 19, pleading guilty to driving while impaired. In 2014, he was arrested again in Baltimore, receiving probation, fines, and a suspended sentence.

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Jen Shah

Jen Shah

The Real Houswives of Salt Lake City became one of the newest entries in the Houswives franchise when it first aired in 2020. Jen Shah has appeared in all three seasons, but it's not clear how she'll continue in the series, as she's currently serving a six-year sentence in prison. 

According to information gleaned from her trial, Shah spent more than a decade in a telemarking scheme that had defrauded more than a hundred victims. While she first pleaded not guilty, she later changed her plea and began serving her prison sentence at the beginning of 2023. 

(Image via Instagram)

Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie

Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie

In the mid-2000s, Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie were the poster children for privileged Hollywood party girls. Their DUI arrests were just another chapter in their "Simple Life" saga, complete with probation, fines, and a few nights in the slammer. Talk about a reality check.

Hilton was arrested in 2006 and sentenced to probation and fines. Richie was arrested in 2006 and 2007, receiving probation and brief jail stints.

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Vince Vaughn

Vince Vaughn

In 2018, Vince Vaughn learned the hard way that being a "Wedding Crasher" doesn't give you a free pass to crash your car while under the influence.  The actor was not only arrested for DUI but also for resisting arrest in Manhattan Beach, California - after stopping at a checkpoint and refusing to comply with officers. 

Vaughn later pleaded no contest to reduced charges of alcohol-related reckless driving and was sentenced to probation, fines, and an alcohol education program.

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Abby Lee Miller

Abby Lee Miller

For seven seasons, Abby Lee Miller was the imposing (and sometimes psychotic) dance instructor for Lifetime's hit reality show Dance Moms. On-screen, it wasn't uncommon to see Miller berating her dancers, their moms, and anyone who had the misfortune to get in her way. However, behind the scenes, Miller was having serious financial problems. 

In 2016, Miller pleaded guilty to a range of financial crimes, including bankruptcy fraud and concealment of assets. Apparently, had been hiding assets in a secret bank account at the same time she was filing for bankruptcy. In 2017, Miller was sentenced to a day and a year in prison, which she served. 

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T.I.

T.I.

T.I. has had quite a few run-ins with the law. Known by his real name, Clifford Harris, he began having trouble at the age of 14 when he was already arrested several times for dealing. This continued through adulthood, including in the Grammy-winning rapper's most noted arrest that came just hours before he was to appear at the BET Hip Hop Awards. 

In total, T.I. has been arrested eight times, including two felonies. The reasons for arrest range from dealing and holding illegal substances, purchasing guns (with one time being Harris trying to buy a firearm from a federal agent), and assault. In 2010 alone, he was sentenced to 11 months in jail. 

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Richard Hatch

Richard Hatch

We're not even sure how many seasons of Survivor there currently are, but none of the winners is probably as well-known as the OG winner of season one, Richard Hatch. During his time on the show, Hatch was probably most famous for frequently going unclothed, but these days, he's also well-known for his legal troubles

In 2006, Hatch was convicted for failing to pay taxes on his reality show winnings, for which has was sentenced to 51 months in prison. However, he clearly didn't learn his lesson, as he was imprisoned again in 2011 for again failing to pay the taxes he owed. However, his second stint in prison was only nine months. 

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Scott Menaged

Scott Menaged

Property Wars was a Discovery Channel reality show that originally aired from 2011 to 2012 and followed people who would bid on foreclosed homes sight unseen—think Storage Wars but much more expensive. However, not everything going on behind the scenes was above board, especially when it came to star Scott Menaged. 

In 2017, Menaged was sentenced to 17 years in prison for charges related to multiple fraudulent schemes. According to prosecutors, Menaged's schemes affected more than 200 people who lost a combined $30 million. The investigation found that Menaged had stolen millions in loans to help fund his lavish lifestyle. 

(Image via Discovery Channel)

Mike Tyson

Mike Tyson

Mike Tyson has a bit of a strange reputation. Younger generations don't know much about his past, but older generations know exactly what this former professional boxer has done wrong. Tyson's arrest for assault and battery didn't come as a surprise since he was known for beating people up for a living.

The man has had seven arrests in his history. The actual crimes range from felony possession to the 1991 arrest for the assault of a Miss Black America contestant. As a teenager, Tyson admitted that he was arrested 38 other times! Holy crap!

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O.J. Simpson

O.J. Simpson

You know the Juice had to be on this list. At one time, OJ was incredibly famous for his sports career, and that translated into an...interesting acting career. Then, we all know what happened. OJ hit legal troubles — that's a little bit of an understatement, we think. 

Now, he's known as the guy who allegedly murdered his ex-wife Nicole Brown and Ronal Goldman (which he was, of course, memorably found not guilty by the jury).  In total, OJ Simpson has been arrested six times. He's spent nine years in jail, with his court case only taking 252 days.

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