Criminal defense and celebrities often intersect. Whether it is tax fraud or evasion, issues with drugs and alcohol, or often more grisly features, there is no shortage of drama in Hollywood. Lately, there have been several crimes or criminal updates dealing with notorious figures.

            First, Jean-Claude Van Damme’s son recently pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct after he held his roommate at knifepoint in Phoenix. He had previously been arrested for suspicion of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, unlawful imprisonment, marijuana possession and possession of drug paraphernalia. The prosecution apparently extended a plea deal for a lesser charge. Apparently, Van Damme’s son became upset with the roommate after he answered the door. So, he grabbed a knife, threatened the roommate and prevented him from leaving.

 Over in Connecticut, one of the creeps busted in the scandal where all the celebrities were hacked and their personal photos were published is asking for leniency at his upcoming sentencing hearing. He pleaded guilty back in April for one charge of unauthorized access to a protected computer to obtain information and was one of four hackers charged in the leaking incident. He and his co-defendants developed a phishing scheme to enable them to hack into over 250 iCloud accounts, including multiple celebrities, back in 2013 and 2014. His cohorts were sentenced between 9 and 18 months in prison over the last year.

 Another celebrity’s son has run into trouble – last week, Hall of Fame NFL Quarterback Dan Marino’s son was arrested in Florida for a DUI, with a blood alcohol content at almost three times the legal limit, according to police. He was apparently involved in erratic driving which caught the eye of an officer who pulled him over. He was found with glassy eyes, smelled like alcohol and his speech was slurred, according to reports. He has posted bond and has since entered a not guilty plea. Given that it’s his first offense, and no one was hurt, he likely won’t spend any time in jail if he is convicted or pleas.

 Earlier this summer, Heather Locklear was arrested on suspicion of fighting with first responders – again. She appeared to be extremely intoxicated when police came to her house to look into a dispute between Locklear and family or friends, according to the Ventura County  Sheriff’s department. Allegedly, Locklear kicked one of the deputies, and then kicked a paramedic who had been called to check on her. She was booked on two misdemeanor battery counts, and upon release, checked into a treatment facility, according to sources close to Locklear. She is currently on trial for similar conduct back in February. Her next appearance will be on August 30. 

 Finally, an old case has been making waves recently. John Lennon’s killer was up for parole – again (for the 10th time to be precise). Beatles fans held rallies and asked the state Parole Board to deny Mark David Chapman parole for the murder. Chapman, currently 63 years old, was charged with second-degree murder after he shot John Lennon at close range five times with hollow-point bullets. He eventually pleads guilty over his attorney’s objections and concerns over Chapman’s sanity. Both John Lennon’s fans and wife, Yoko Ono, have lodged objections with the Parole Board in the past, urging them to deny his parole.