Regardless of how one feels about the recent not guilty verdict in the case of Casey Anthony, it is pretty clear that hers is a classic example of the difficulties faced by criminal defendants whose case receives intense national attention and scrutiny.

There is no doubt that Anthony murder trial has triggered enormous national attention. Cheney Mason, one of Anthony's defense attorneys, heavily blamed the media for what he termed "media assassination" of Anthony both before and during the murder trial. Many understood his comments to refer especially to television pundit Nancy Grace, whose news program put intense attention on the Anthony case. Grace has made no bones about her opinion that "There is no way that [Anthony's verdict] speaks the truth."

There is apparently considerable concern from both attorneys and prosecutors in the Anthony case that she may be in danger from angry mobs who feel Tuesday's verdict was an injustice. After her verdict was given, bystanders outside the courthouse chanted, "Appeal, Appeal," "Baby killer," and "Justice for Caylee." Sources said that it is still unclear where Anthony will live after serving the rest of her sentence.

Jose Baez, one of Anthony's attorneys, has said on the subject, "I'm afraid for her, and I don't think it's fair." One of the prosecutors involved in the case told media sources, "I wouldn't want anyone in the community to be so upset by this that they try to do something to her...she was acquitted and people just need to accept that."

Katherine Zellner, a defense attorney not involved in the case, said of the situation, "Emotionally her life has been destroyed. Her child is dead and her parents have been injured, I don't know how you put that back together...People will always believe that she's guilty."

There have apparently been numerous speculations about what Anthony will do following the trial. Sources said that Casey may soon be looking to sign for a book or movie deal based on her experience surrounding the trial.

In any case, Anthony will soon be returning to court as the state of Florida has filed a motion to recover some of the costs of investigating her case. Anthony also will be facing a defamation suit filed by an individual whose name Anthony stole to describe the fictional nanny Anthony claimed had kidnapped Caylee. In the course of her trial, Anthony admitted that she had stolen the name. The individual whose name she stole subsequently served her with a subpoena while she was in jail.

According to news sources, Anthony has already served almost three years and would receive credit for time service and good behavior, but it isn't clear yet how long Anthony will remain in jail.

Source: ABC news, "Casey Anthony Ordered Back to Jail and Fined $4,000," Ashleigh Banfield, 7 July 2011.