After being arrested for drinking and driving (DUI) in Malibu in May 2011, Rick Springfield has agreed to reduced charges of reckless driving. The misdemeanor charge mentions the possibility of alcohol impairment as part of the plea, but the former superstar was not formally charged with DUI. According to a DUI attorney, reduced pleas can satisfy the court and the defendant.
Arrest
The singer, who struck gold with his 1981 song, “Jessie’s Girl,†registered a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .10 percent in Laguna in May 2011. He allegedly threatened law enforcement personnel at the scene although authorities downplayed the incident.
Sentence
The no contest plea means he will serve 36 months of unsupervised probation. He does not need to report to a probation officer. However, he will need to complete a 90-day alcohol education program. He also does not need to serve time in custody although he would serve time if had plead guilty to DUI.
Precautions
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP), alcohol or drugs contribute to about 33 percent of all vehicle-related deaths nationally. In order to keep safe while driving, the CDCP recommends that individuals always designate a driver. If someone insists on drinking and driving, take their keys. If there is no designated driver, call a friend or use public transportation.
Conclusion
A rash of celebrity arrests for DUI have highlighted this public safety issue for the general population. As in the case with Springfield, charges can be reduced so that the offender does not have to serve any time in custody. Every case is different, and judges assess each situation on its own merits.
Please see the following article for additional information on this story: http://music.yahoo.com/news/rick-springfield-pleads-no-contest-dui-case-191524396.html. Additional information was obtained at the following link: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-20058965-10391704.html.
Author bio: Lisa Simon Thompson has been interested in writing since she began jotting notes in her diary as a young girl. She obtained her B.A. in Elementary Education and minored in English. She now spends her time with her children and writing online articles.
Arrest
The singer, who struck gold with his 1981 song, “Jessie’s Girl,†registered a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .10 percent in Laguna in May 2011. He allegedly threatened law enforcement personnel at the scene although authorities downplayed the incident.
Sentence
The no contest plea means he will serve 36 months of unsupervised probation. He does not need to report to a probation officer. However, he will need to complete a 90-day alcohol education program. He also does not need to serve time in custody although he would serve time if had plead guilty to DUI.
Precautions
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP), alcohol or drugs contribute to about 33 percent of all vehicle-related deaths nationally. In order to keep safe while driving, the CDCP recommends that individuals always designate a driver. If someone insists on drinking and driving, take their keys. If there is no designated driver, call a friend or use public transportation.
Conclusion
A rash of celebrity arrests for DUI have highlighted this public safety issue for the general population. As in the case with Springfield, charges can be reduced so that the offender does not have to serve any time in custody. Every case is different, and judges assess each situation on its own merits.
Please see the following article for additional information on this story: http://music.yahoo.com/news/rick-springfield-pleads-no-contest-dui-case-191524396.html. Additional information was obtained at the following link: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-20058965-10391704.html.
Author bio: Lisa Simon Thompson has been interested in writing since she began jotting notes in her diary as a young girl. She obtained her B.A. in Elementary Education and minored in English. She now spends her time with her children and writing online articles.
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