Media, Crime and the Courtroom.
In high-profile criminal matters, the courtroom isn’t the only place your case is being judged. When a story hits the news or goes viral online, it can shape public opinion and, in some cases, it can even shape the outcome of your trial.
At Emma Turnbull Lawyers, our team of criminal lawyers in Melbourne has represented clients in matters that attracted intense media attention, from multi-page newspaper spreads to national TV headlines. We’ve been chased down the street by cameramen outside court, and we’ve even been caught in the middle of public confrontations between family members.
We know how intimidating it can be to see your name in the press or how invasive it feels to have a microphone in your face when leaving court. As experienced criminal lawyers Melbourne trusts, we also know how to manage the legal consequences and protect your rights, no matter how public your matter becomes.
In this article, we explain how media coverage can impact a criminal case and what you should do if your matter ends up in the spotlight.
Why Do Some Criminal Cases Attract Media Attention?
Not every criminal charge makes the evening news. But some matters, often those involving celebrities, public officials, serious allegations, or unusual facts are deemed “newsworthy” and get picked up by journalists. Sometimes the interest builds slowly, and sometimes a single police press release is all it takes for your matter to go public. Sometimes you can just be unlucky and be listed on a slow news day.
Even smaller matters can attract attention in the age of social media. If your name is mentioned online, the potential for reputational damage can be massive and lasting.
Can the Media Affect the Fairness of a Trial?
The answer is yes. While juries are instructed to decide cases based only on the evidence presented in court, media coverage can still shape their perceptions.
That’s why in some cases, your criminal lawyer in Melbourne may ask the court for:
- Suppression orders (to prevent certain information being published)
- Closed court hearings (to protect vulnerable witnesses or limit exposure)
- Change of venue (to move the case away from intense local coverage)
Judges take these requests seriously especially where there’s a real risk that media attention could prejudice a fair trial.
How Emma Turnbull Lawyers Protects Your Rights in High-Profile Cases
When you’re represented by Emma Turnbull Lawyers, you’re not just hiring a legal technician, you’re hiring an expert team of criminal lawyers in Melbourne who act as your strategic advisor.
We have experience:
- Managing cases that are the subject of intense media interest
- Requesting and arguing suppression applications
- Preparing you for the possibility of media intrusion
- Protecting your privacy wherever possible
We also understand the emotional toll of being in the public eye. Whether you’re a private person or someone with a public profile, we handle your matter with discretion, professionalism, and fierce protection of your rights.
What Should You Do if Your Case Gets Media Coverage?
If you’re facing charges and you’ve seen your name in the media:
- Don’t talk to journalists! Anything you say can be twisted or misquoted.
- Don’t post on social media. Even vague posts can be used as evidence.
- Call your lawyer immediately. We can assess the risk and apply for protective orders if needed.
Worried About Media Coverage? Let Us Help.
At Emma Turnbull Lawyers, our team of specialist criminal lawyers in Melbourne doesn’t just know the law, we know the system, the courts, and the risks that come with high-profile charges. If you’re concerned about how media coverage could affect your case, call us for a confidential consultation.
We’re here to defend your rights, in court and in the public eye.
If you are facing criminal charges in Victoria, our team of specialist criminal lawyers in Melbourne can help. We appear daily in the Magistrates’, County, and Supreme Courts and bring the expertise and determination needed for complex, high-stakes cases.
Call Emma Turnbull Lawyers on (03) 9077 4834 or submit a confidential enquiry today.
