In 2014, celebrities like Michael Phelps, Chris Pine, Justin Bieber, and Buddy Valsatro were arrested for DUI. Each faced different penalties and fines following their trial. Many celebrities and notable public figures get some slack when convicted of crimes and misdemeanors, even crimes as serious and dangerous as DUI cases. While most states have a zero-tolerance policy for underage DUI and a legal BAC limit of .08%, the state of Arizona has one of the strictest DUI policies in America, with heavy consequences and fines for DUI infractions. Hiring an experienced Gilbert DUI attorneyto represent you well in court however does not have to be as expensive as a celebrity court case.
Michael Phelps, the 18-time gold-medal Olympic swimmer for team USA, was pulled over in September 2014 for speeding and crossing a double yellow lane line in Maryland. When the police officer performed a breath test, the reading determined a .14 percent BAC level, which is above the legal limit of .08 percent. His eyes were bloodshot and he appeared confused and uncooperative at the time of arrest. However, Phelps spent 45 days in Arizona receiving rehabilitation treatment immediately after his arrest and continues Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in Maryland. He appeared apologetic and hopeful at his court hearing despite the devastating effect it may have on his career as an athlete. Phelps faced consequences of an Underage DUI in 2004, when he was 19, but escaped conviction with the help of a great lawyer.
Chris Pine, the well-known actor who played Captain Kirk in the most recent Star Trek movies, was arrested for DUI in March after celebrating the end of filming for a new movie to be released in 2015 called Z for Zachariah. He pleaded guilty in his New Zealand court case, showed remorse, and let his lawyer do the talking. He faced a minor fine of $79 USD and a six-month suspension of his New Zealand driver’s license.
Buddy Valastro of “Cake Boss” was pulled over at 1am on a Thursday in November for driving recklessly in Manhattan. He failed multiple sobriety tests and was arrested for DUI. He goes back to court in January 2015 to receive the penalties of his first-time DUI offense.
Justin Bieber was arrested in January 2014 for DUI and reckless driving in Miami. After several recent run-ins with the law and disrespectful behavior towards police officers, the California judge only mandated a total of 12 hours of anger management therapy, educational courses on the consequences of drunk driving, and an unofficial requirement to donate $50,000 to charity. Bieber’s judges and legal representatives have voiced intense worry about the example he is setting for his young fans, but have continuously let Bieber off easy due to his immaturity as a young star.
Consulting a Gilbert DUI Attorney
While the consequences for high profile DUI cases vary depending on the judge, it is clear that receiving DUI charges has negative consequences on a person’s reputation. The financial, social, and emotional consequences of a DUI sentence can be lasting and damaging to people both inside and outside of the celebrity circle. If you have been convicted of a DUI in the state of Arizona, call Gilbert DUI attorney Charlie Naegle to give you the legal representation you need. Naegle is committed to helping you get your life back on track with as few consequences as possible. For your free anytime, anywhere consultation, call the Naegle Law Firm today.