Justin Bieber was arrested early Thursday morning on suspicion of driving under the influence, resisting arrest and driving without a valid driver’s license after a drag racing incident in Miami Beach, Fla.
Justin Bieber Arrested after Drag Racing
Police said the 19-year-old singer was arrested around 4 a.m. after two black SUVs blocked off Pine Tree Drive so that Bieber and fellow singer Khalil Sharieff, also 19, could drag race. According to the authorities, Bieber and Sharieff were driving between 55 and 60 mph in a 30 mph zone.
The arrest report states that cops smelled an odor of alcohol when they pulled over Bieber and his eyes appeared to be bloodshot. Police said Bieber admitted to having consumed alcohol, smoking marijuana and taking prescription drugs before the incident occurred.
According to the arrest report, the pop star unleashed a series of expletives questioning why he was being pulled over and searched after he was asked to exit his vehicle.
Bieber was being held on suspicion of resisting arrest without violence, DUI and driving without a valid driver’s license. The license he was using was issued by the state of Georgia.
According to the USA Today, Bieber insists he was not drunk and had just left the recording studio.
Possible Punishment for Bieber
If Bieber were arrested for DUI in California, he would be facing harsh penalties under California Vehicle Code Section 23152. Under VC 23152, a first DUI conviction is punishable by up to 6 months in county jail and a fine of up to $2,000. His driver’s license would also be suspended for six months by the DMV.
Because Bieber is not of legal drinking age in California, he would face stricter penalties if convicted. His license would be suspended for one year. Additionally, vehicle impoundments and reinstatement charges are common.
Bieber could also be sentenced to a 3-to-5-year probation term and ordered to complete a DUI program.
In addition, Bieber could potentially face charges for speed contest because he was drag racing. If the pop star was convicted for speed contest in California, he could be sentenced to up to 90 days in county jail and ordered to pay fines of up to $1,000. Participating in a speed contest would also result in two points being added to Bieber’s driving record.
Bieber’s Recent Legal Trouble
Although this is the first time Bieber has been arrested, it is not the first time in recent memory that he has found himself in legal trouble. The teen pop star was accused of vandalism earlier this month for allegedly egging his neighbor’s home, causing an estimated $20,000 in damages. Police showed up at his Calabasas, Calif. home to search for evidence in connection to the crime.
While Bieber was not placed in custody, a person present in his home was arrested for possession of cocaine. According to the L.A. Times, authorities seized an iPhone and a security camera system which they are currently investigating for evidence.
Call Wallin & Klarich if You are Facing DUI Charges
A conviction for DUI can have lasting effects on your life. If you are facing charges of driving under the influence, you should speak to an attorney at Wallin & Klarich today. Our skilled and knowledgeable attorneys have over 30 years of experience successfully defending our clients facing DUI charges. We know what it takes to get the best possible outcome in your case.
With offices in Los Angeles, Sherman Oaks, Torrance, Tustin, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, West Covina and Victorville, there is an experienced Wallin & Klarich Southern California DUI defense attorney near you no matter where you are located.
Call us at (877) 4-NO-JAIL or (877) 466-5245 today for a free phone consultation. We will get through this together.
