Bruce SpringsteenBruce Springsteen has been cleared of drunken and reckless driving charges following a court appearance in New Jersey yesterday,
According to the Asbury Park Press, the US artist appeared before a federal judge Magistrate Judge Anthony R Mautone via video conference to face charges of DWI (driving while intoxicated), reckless driving and use of alcohol in a closed area following his arrest in Sandy Hook, New Jersey on 14 November.
It's since been revealed that Springsteen had pulled over his motorcycle while riding through the Gateway National Recreation Area to take photos with a group of fans, who he then did two shots of tequila with.
Springsteen was then pulled over by a park ranger with Assistant US Attorney Adam Baker stating that while Springsteen did initially decline a preliminary breathalyser test, he did later test at 0.02, below the state's legal blood alcohol content limit of 0.08.
Springsteen's attorney Mitchell Ansell entered a plea of not guilty for all three charges against the artist, with Baker then saying that, "The government believes there is sufficient evidence to sustain its burden in proving beyond a reasonable doubt that defendant was at Sandy Hook National Park on Nov 14, 2020 and was consuming alcoholic beverages while there.
"Our understanding is that the defendant has agreed to plead guilty today (to the consuming alcohol charge.) With respect to two remaining violations (DWI and reckless driving) the government does not believe it can sustain its burden of proof.
"Specifically the evidence we reviewed after the defendant’s arrest is that he submitted to a breath test at the ranger station and his blood alcohol content was .02, which the court is well aware is well under the legal limit of .08.
"During the defendant's field sobriety test he declined to take a preliminary breath test, but that test is not required by law. But he did submit to the legally required breath test when he was at the ranger station..."
"Based on that your honor specifically on the .02 blood content reading, the government respectfully moves the court to dismiss the (DWI and reckless driving) charges."
During questioning, Springsteen admitted that he knew that it was illegal to drink alcohol in the area (as it is federal property), saying that he "had two small shots of tequila" while understanding that it was a violation.
Mautone issued the musician with a $500 fine for the consuming alcohol in a federal park charge, stating that it was influenced by Springsteen's excellent prior driving history.
"I have in front of me an abstract of the driver’s record going all the way back to 1973. There’s three violations in the whole record (including one regarding a handheld device.) Rarely would you see a driver’s abstract so devoid of any entries as I see before me, Mr Springsteen. So I’m, convinced that a fine is the appropriate sentence in this case," said Mautone.
"I’ll impose a $500 fine (and additional fees of $40.) Mr. Springsteen, I need to ask you how long you will need to pay that fine?"
"I can pay that immediately, your honor," replied Springsteen.
Following the court's decision, car company Jeep have now reinstated their Super Bowl ad starring Springsteen which was pulled following news of his arrest.
"As we stated previously, we paused the commercial until the facts were established,” a Jeep representative told Variety. “Now, that the matter has been resolved, we are unpausing the film.”
Springsteen released his 20th studio album, Letter To You, in October last year.
