Celebrity skates

Do some laws simply not apply to celebrities?

If news reports are correct, it is difficult to understand why high-profile television star Charlie Sheen has not been arrested for illegal possession and use of cocaine. News stories tell of Sheen being engaged in wild orgies with porn stars and large amounts of cocaine, but there has been little, if any, action by law enforcement officials.

On the other hand, story after story tell of law enforcement officials conducting “raids” to nail users of illegal drugs. Likewise, people pulled over for traffic violations often have their vehicles inspected by law officers who see evidence of drugs or marijuana. If convicted, the driver may face a number of severe penalties.

But, for whatever reason, Sheen and others like him seem to be able to skate through cocaine parties without any punishment. He is the talk of late night talk shows, becoming almost a hero or actually increasing his celebrity because of his antics and wild behavior.

Is this apparent immunity from prosecution due to his star status, the ability of Sheen to buy the services of powerful and influential attorneys or the willingness of law enforcement officers to look the other way?

Are there certain “laws” for most people that simply don’t apply to others?