to my own understanding and observation of my immediate environment, i think rich people vis-a-vis celebrities get off so easily when they break the law but in most circumstances it depends on the countries. Most especially africa, celebrities and big business men have easily gone off bypassing the laws, but i dont think this is same with the western world. we have had cases where big footballers are sentenced for tax enviction, cases of sexual harrasement where big celebrities like tupac, r kelly even the legend michael jackson have to be sentenced. but this cannot be the case in most africa countries.
There's a great thread on corruption here as well, and sadly I must agree: it is very common in some parts of the world to buy yourself out of the prosecution. Very sad, and in a way I blame the British empire for not paying enough attention (and fighting) this ugliness back in 19th and early 20th centuries, and allowing it to bloom.