Bruce Springsteen pleaded guilty Wednesday to drinking with fans in a New Jersey park, but dodged charges of DWI and reckless driving because prosecutors said he was not drunk enough during the November incident.
The provision in the high-profile case was announced during The Boss’ complaint for the three felony charges arising from his arrest on Nov. 14 at the Gateway National Recreation Area in Sandy Hook.
“I had two small shots of tequila,” the “Born in the United States” singer admitted in his rough voice during the virtual view, while picking up a single number of drinks in an enclosed area.
Federal prosecutors, however, dismissed reckless and reckless driving charges, noting that Springsteen’s blood alcohol content was 0.02, well below the state’s legal limit while driving 0.08. .
“It’s actually low enough for the defendant to be presumed undamaged under New Jersey law,” said U.S. Deputy Attorney General Adam Baker. “We see New Jersey law as a persuasive guide.”
Baker also noted that while Springsteen, 71, refused to take a preliminary breathalyzer at the park, this test is not really mandatory by law. “He underwent the legally required breath test when he was at the ranger station,” Barker told Judge Anthony Mautone.
Springsteen was indicted in federal enclave court after a ranger caught him shooting down a group of amateur fans who caught the rocker passing by on his motorcycle. He has no other criminal record, authorities said.
Mautone said he would impose a $ 540 fine on the star, calling it an “appropriate” punishment in the case.
The judge asked how long it would take the Grammy winner to cough up the money, prompting his lawyer, Mitchell Ansell, to smile.
“I think I can pay for it immediately, my lord,” Springsteen replied.
He has until next Wednesday to do so.
All three charges resulted in fines of up to $ 5,000 and a 6-month prison sentence.
The Zoom arrangement scheduled by Springsteen attracted nearly 170 viewers online, which angered Mautone. “I really don’t think it’s necessary to make it accessible to the whole universe,” the jurist muttered before starting the 20-minute view. “At 11 a.m., we’ll turn off access and get started.”