The Legal Troubles of Joe Francis

Joe Francis, who has made millions with his 'Girls Gone Wild' videos and magazines, has found himself entangled in legal trouble in civil and criminal courts on the state and federal levels. He has faced criminal charges in Florida and tax evasion charges in federal court in Reno, Nevada.

Current Developments

Joe Francis Files Lawsuit to Rescind Settlement
Aug. 19, 2008
Claiming that he was coerced by a federal judge, the founder of the "Girls Gone Wild" video series has filed a lawsuit in California asking that a settlement he signed with three underage girls in Panama City, Florida be rescinded. Joe Francis says in the lawsuit he would never have signed the agreement had he not been incarcerated by the judge.

Francis Accuses Judge of Conflict of Interest
March 25, 2008
"Girls Gone Wild" founder Joe Francis is claiming that a federal judge is teaming up with a former law partner to target him for retribution. Francis says U.S. District Judge Richard Smoak is behind a new lawsuit filed last week accusing him of soliciting minors to participate in sexually provocative videos.

Previous Developments

Joe Francis Enters Plea
March 12, 2008
"Girls Gone Wild" founder Joe Francis entered no contest pleas in Panama City, Florida, to child abuse and prostitution charges in a plea agreement that allowed him to walk free after 11 months in jail. The 39-year-old Francis was sentenced to 339 days and given credit for time already served.

Tax Trial Delayed for 'Gone Wild' Founder
Feb. 29, 2008
In April 2007, the founder of the multimillion dollar "Girls Gone Wild" video empire was sentenced to 35 days in jail for contempt of court. Now, almost a year later, Joe Francis remains incarcerated in Nevada where he faces federal tax charges, but still with a no-bail warrant outstanding in Florida.

'Gone Wild' Founder Gets 35 Days in Jail
April 24, 2007
The founder of the "Girls Gone Wild" videos, who made a reported $29 million selling videos of partially nude, intoxicated girls, pleaded guilty to contempt of court charges and was sentenced to 35 days in jail. Shedding tears, Joe Francis apologized to the court for screaming obscenities at the plaintiffs during settlement discussions.

'Girls Gone Wild' Creator Ordered Jailed
April 6, 2007
The founder of the "Girls Gone Wild" videos, who has made a fortunate convincing drunken girls to expose their breasts, was ordered to jail for contempt of court by a federal judge. Joe Francis defied the judge and refused to surrender to U.S. marshals, saying it was a case of a "judge gone wild."