Bruce Springsteen headed to Zoom court on Wednesday after being charged with driving while intoxicated, reckless driving, and consuming alcohol in a closed area at Gateway National Recreation Area in Sandy Hook, New Jersey last November.
While The Boss did plead guilty to taking a drink offered to him by a fan, the charges of DWI and reckless driving were dismissed as federal prosecutors said he wasn’t sufficiently drunk to warrant the charges. Springsteen’s blood-alcohol content at the time of his arrest was only .02, whereas New Jersey’s legal limit indicating intoxication for driving is .08. Assistant US Attorney Adam Baker pointed out, “It’s actually low enough that the defendant would be considered presumptively not impaired under New Jersey law. We do look to New Jersey law as persuasive guidance.” But the singer also admitted during the hearing that he “had two small shots of tequila,” agreeing to pay a fine of $500 for drinking in a closed area. He has until Wednesday to make the payment, but when the judge asked how long he thought it would take to pay the fee, Springsteen jokingly replied, “I think I can pay that immediately, Your Honor.”
In a statement to the press, the music legend’s attorney, Mitchell Ansell, wrote, “Mr. Springsteen is pleased with the outcome of today’s court appearance. 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. 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.”
More Great Stories From Vanity Fair
— Carl Lentz and the Trouble at Hillsong
— How Kate Middleton’s Fashion Could Change When She Becomes Queen
— Britney Spears and the Mainstream Media’s Matt Lauer Problem
— Meena Harris, Reluctant Influencer, Wants to Democratize Who Holds Sway
— The Joy and Agony of Being @deuxmoi, Instagram’s Accidental Gossip Queen
— Meghan and Harry’s Pregnancy Announcement Is a “Testament to Their Joy”
— 13 Essential Items Inspired by Fran Lebowitz
— From the Archive: How #freebritney Started as a Meme and Grew Into a Movement
— Not a subscriber? Join Vanity Fair to receive full access to VF.com and the complete online archive now.