Attorney for Michael Jackson, Scott Peterson Reveals Biggest Regret from High-Profile Trials, What Keeps Him Up at Night

**Attorney Mark Geragos Reflects on Notable Criminal Trials and Continues to Support Scott Peterson’s Innocence**

Mark Geragos, a high-profile defence attorney known for representing both pop icon Michael Jackson and convicted murderer Scott Peterson, has revisited his past experiences in the courtroom. During a recent appearance at CrimeCon 2026 in Las Vegas, Geragos expressed his regret over the lack of media coverage during both trials and reaffirmed his belief in Peterson’s innocence.

Geragos, who has made headlines defending other notable figures such as the Menendez brothers and singer Chris Brown, discussed what he perceives as a significant misstep in both cases. “There were no cameras in the courtroom. I’ve always said the worst decision I made in the Peterson case, and I would say the same about Michael Jackson, was opposing media filming,” he stated. He believes that without cameras, the public’s understanding of the trials was skewed, leading to adverse perceptions of his clients.

Scott Peterson, currently 53 years old, was convicted in 2004 for the murder of his wife, Laci Peterson, and their unborn son, Conner. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Geragos maintains that his client is innocent and that the circumstances surrounding the case continue to haunt him. “What does keep me up at night is when I believe that I’m defending an innocent client,” he remarked during the event.

The case surrounding Laci Peterson’s disappearance in December 2002 became one of America’s most highly publicised criminal sagas. Laci vanished from their Modesto, California home on Christmas Eve, triggering an extensive search operation that captivated the public’s attention. Tragically, her remains were discovered in the San Francisco Bay in April 2003, leading to Peterson’s arrest shortly after while he was at a golf course.

Geragos’ comments come as anticipation builds for an upcoming A&E documentary set to premiere in July, centred around the intricacies of the Peterson case. The documentary’s release is expected to shed light on the complexities and challenges of the investigation and court proceedings that ultimately led to Peterson’s conviction.

The Los Angeles Innocence Project adopted Peterson’s case in 2024, advocating for a re-examination of key elements related to the investigation. They allege that local law enforcement failed to pursue numerous reported potential leads, including sightings of Laci Peterson and a burglary incident that occurred near their home. Additionally, they contend that several crucial pieces of DNA evidence were never subjected to testing, raising questions about the integrity of the investigation.

Despite numerous appeals and attempts to overturn his conviction, Peterson has repeatedly faced setbacks, the most recent being in May of this year. The Innocence Project remains resolute, pledging to continue their fight for justice on Peterson’s behalf and to address the issues they believe were mishandled in the original investigation.

The high-profile nature of both trials continues to create an aura of fascination and contention within the media and public discourse. Geragos’ reflections are a reminder of the complexities inherent in the legal system and the weight of defending individuals accused under intense scrutiny.

As the debate surrounding Peterson’s innocence persists, it remains to be seen how the forthcoming documentary will impact public perception and if it will spur any further legal advancements. Geragos clearly remains committed to advocating for his clients and seeking the truth, even amidst the immense pressures that accompany such high-stakes cases.

In an era marked by critical examination of high-profile trials, Geragos’ open remorse regarding the lack of media involvement highlights a shift in the dialogue surrounding courtroom transparency. The pursuit of justice and the safeguarding of innocent lives continue to be at the forefront of legal discussions as Geragos navigates his ongoing commitment to defending the accused.