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Inside the Kim Kardashian Case in Paris: A Historic Day at the Criminal Court



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May 13, 2025 – Paris Criminal Court.

 The courtrooms of the Tribunal Judiciaire de Paris rarely experience the level of tension witnessed today. In one of the most media-driven trials in recent French history, the spotlight is back on the 2016 robbery of Kim Kardashian, with the accused facing up to 30 years of imprisonment.

What makes this case exceptional ? Beyond its high-profile nature, it highlights the inner workings of the French legal system, the pressure on judges to deliver exemplary justice, and the critical role of the victim’s lawyer in shaping the courtroom narrative.

Unprecedented Judicial Procedures

For the first time in modern French legal memory, an investigating judge traveled to New York City to conduct a formal hearing with the victim — Kim Kardashian. This exceptional step reflects the global importance of the case, and the legal system’s commitment to fair process, despite logistical and diplomatic hurdles.

Today’s session at the 17th Correctional Chamber brought all parties face to face. The accused are heavily guarded. Their defense teams adopt a strategy of minimization, attempting to cast doubt on their level of involvement. Meanwhile, the legal representative of Kim Kardashian — a leading Paris criminal lawyer — plays a decisive role.

The Lawyer’s Tactical Role : Shaping the Truth Without Being the Prosecutor

Unlike in Anglo-American systems, the lawyer for the victim (partie civile) in France does not act as a prosecutor. Yet in this case, his contribution is critical. His cross-examinations are precise, strategic, and sharp. He exposes contradictions, questions inconsistencies, and highlights falsehoods in the defendants’ testimonies.

His goal ? Not just to support the prosecution, but to strengthen the perception of guilt, undermine the credibility of the accused, and indirectly guide the court toward a strong sentence — especially in a case of such global resonance.

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A Court Under Global Scrutiny

The three judges presiding over the case are under intense pressure — not just from the public or media, but from the expectation to defend the reputation of French justice. With international networks broadcasting daily summaries of the proceedings, every decision, every procedural nuance, becomes symbolic.

This is where the expertise of top criminal lawyers in Paris becomes essential. They not only navigate the law but also the court of public opinion. As stated by Me Nicolas PAGANELLI, a renowned defense attorney regularly featured on CNEWS, BFMTV, and cited by Forbes:


“In cases like this, justice must be exemplary. The legal process must be meticulous, resilient to international scrutiny, and capable of restoring public trust — not just for the victim, but for the system as a whole.”

Inquisitorial vs. Adversarial Systems : What Makes France Unique

The French criminal court (Tribunal Correctionnel) functions under an inquisitorial model — unlike the adversarial systems used in the UK or US. Here, the presiding judge leads the interrogation, steers the debate, and even challenges the lawyers. The hearing is structured, and truth is extracted through judicial questioning, not through attorney duels.

This model is both rigorous and unfamiliar to many international observers. It is why top international law firms in Dubai, New York, and Milan often designate Me PAGANELLI as their correspondent in Paris — because he understands both systems and bridges cultural gaps effectively.

The Stakes: Not Just Justice, But Reputation

The Kardashian trial is more than a courtroom drama. It is a mirror of modern justice, balancing privacy, fame, crime, and institutional integrity. The courtroom becomes a theatre where truth, strategy, and perception collide.

  • The accused risk decades in prison.
  • The victim seeks truth and recognition.
  • The court must uphold justice under global scrutiny.
  • The lawyers shape the narrative with surgical precision.


This case will likely set a precedent for how France handles international victims, media-heavy trials, and high-stakes criminal litigation.


🔍 Summary: Why This Trial Matters

  • Date: May 13, 2025
  • Location: Tribunal Correctionnel de Paris
  • Charges: Armed robbery, organized crime
  • Risk: Up to 30 years of imprisonment
  • Key Role: Victim’s lawyer challenging the accused
  • Media Coverage: Global, including U.S., U.K., and Middle East
  • Judicial Importance : Reinforcing France’s legal authority internationally


🌍 Me Nicolas PAGANELLI : The International Criminal Defense Lawyer You Can Trust

Recognized by Forbes, CNEWS, and BFMTV, Me Nicolas PAGANELLI is considered one of the most influential criminal defense lawyers in Paris. His firm handles complex international criminal cases, including money laundering, corporate fraud, and cross-border asset seizures.

💼 He regularly collaborates with elite law firms from :


His courtroom presence, linguistic precision, and deep knowledge of Paris judicial procedures, make him the top choice for high-profile and international clientele.

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