bruce
NEW JERSEY (77WABC) -New Jersey federal prosecutors dropped DWI charges Wednesday against iconic rocker, Bruce Springsteen. He plead guilty to one charge of having alcohol in a restricted area, but all other charges were dropped and the case against him dismissed.
Springsteen was cleared during his 11 a.m. remote appearance before Newark Federal Court Judge Anthony R. Mautone, where the Boss and his lawyer attended remotely.
The session drew more than 125 media members, with Springsteen pleading to a single count of consuming alcoholic beverages hear a New Jersey beach.
Bruce Springsteen was arrested for driving while intoxicated in a New Jersey recreation area last November. The 71-year-old was given three citations during his Nov. 14, 2020, arrest, for suspicion of DWI, reckless driving and consuming alcohol in a closed area, according to a National Parks Service spokeswoman, adding that Springsteen was “cooperative” during the process.
Springsteen agreed to plead guilty to consuming alcohol in a closed area after the two other misdemeanor charges were dropped by Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Baker. He’ll pay a $500 fine. Baker shared that Springsteen’s blood-alcohol level was 0.02, well below the 0.08 limit in New Jersey.
“It’s actually low enough that defendant would be considered presumptively not impaired under New Jersey law. And as the court is aware New Jersey law is not controlling here, but we do look to New Jersey laws as persuasive guidance and find it useful reaching our determination,” Baker said. “Based on that, your honor, and based specifically on the 0.02 blood-alcohol content reading, the government respectfully moves the court to dismiss the [two] charges.”
Springsteen, 71, a native of Freehold, also refused to take a breathalyzer test and botched a test where he was asked to perform a “stop and turn” — taking 45 steps rather than the requested 18, according to court papers.
Springsteen and wife Patti Scialfa live mainly on a 400-acre horse farm in Colts Neck, N.J., just east of Freehold, N.J., where Springsteen spent his childhood.
#Breaking on #Springsteen
🚨 GUILTY plea to alcohol in restricted area in Sandy Hook
🚨Charges of reckless and operating vehicle under influence (.02 breath test). DISMISSED
🚨Last 2 charges would’ve required trial if went forward
🚨Judge grants dismissal— TalkRadio 77 WABC (@77WABCradio) February 24, 2021
