NEWSJudge Dismisses Bruce Springsteen's DWI And Reckless Driving Charges, Rocker Pleads Guilty To Consuming 'Two Small Shots'
At a virtual hearing on Wednesday, February 24, the judge ruled to dismiss Bruce Springsteen's DWI and reckless driving charges after he was arrested in Sandy Hook, N.J., near a local park on November 14, 2020.
As part of the pre-hearing agreement between U.S. attorneys and the "Dancing In The Dark" crooner's legal team, Springsteen agreed to plead guilty to consuming "two small shots of tequila" at the Gateway National Recreation Area. The judge did note that alcohol consumption was not illegal at the Sandy Hook park up until three summers ago.
In the United States of America vs. Bruce Springsteen case, the rock star was formally charged with operating a vehicle while under the influence, consuming alcohol in a closed area and reckless driving.
However, after the charges were read, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the government, Adam Baker, admitted they "cannot sustain its burden of proof," in regards to the DWI and reckless driving charges. "The blood alcohol reading was .02, which as the court is aware, is well under the state limit of .08," Baker stated.
Springsteen, 71, pleaded guilty to consuming alcohol in a closed area and was handed a fine of $500. When asked by the judge how much time he needed to pay the fine, the singer said: "I think I can pay that immediately, your Honor."
Springsteen's lawyer Mitchell Ansell later shared in a statement that “Mr. Springsteen is pleased with the outcome of today’s court appearance."
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"The prosecutor was unable to provide the necessary evidence and facts as it related to the charge of Driving under the Influence (DUI) and Reckless Driving and therefore dismissed both of those charges," Ansell continued. "Mr. Springsteen, who has no previous criminal record of any kind, voluntarily plead guilty to a violation of consuming an alcoholic beverage in a closed area, agreeing to a fine of $500. We want to thank the Court and will have no further comment at this time.”
As OK! previously reported, Springsteen was driving his motorcycle in New Jersey when a group of fans asked him to pull over for photos. "Bruce stopped, took the pictures, then a fan offered him a shot of liquor, which he took, while sitting on his bike, which was stationary," the source dished. "Park police saw what happened and they immediately pulled Springsteen over as he drove away."
According to the National Parks Service rep, the "I'm On Fire" crooner "was cooperative throughout the process."
Soon after his arrest, Jeep pulled his Super Bowl LV commercial from YouTube.
