Bruce Springsteen pleaded guilty Wednesday to drinking with fans in a New Jersey park – but avoided allegations of DWI and reckless driving, as prosecutors said he was not drunk enough during the November incident.
The disposition in the profile file was announced during the notification of The Boss regarding the three accusations of contravention that resulted from his arrest on November 14 at the Gateway National Recreation Area in Sandy Hook.
“I had two small photos of tequila,” admitted the “Born in the USA” singer with his harsh voice during the virtual audition, while dealing with a single number of drinks in a closed area.
However, federal prosecutors denied the charges of reckless driving and reckless driving, noting that Springsteen’s blood alcohol content was 0.02 – well below the state’s legal limit while driving 0.08.
“In fact, it is low enough that the defendant is presumed not to be affected under New Jersey law,” said U.S. Assistant Attorney Adam Baker. “We see New Jersey law as convincing guidance.”
Baker also mentioned that while Springsteen, 71, refused to take a preliminary breathalyzer in the park, that test is not actually required by law. “He underwent the required legal breathing test when he was at the guard station,” Barker told Judge Anthony Mautone.
Springsteen was charged in federal enclave court after a park ranger caught him shooting down shots with a group of adoring fans who caught the rocker riding a 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 Award winner to cough up the money – causing his lawyer, Mitchell Ansell, to smile.
“I think I can pay for this right away, honorable women,” Springsteen said.
He has until next Wednesday to do so.
All three charges were fined up to $ 5,000 and sentenced to 6 months in prison.
Springsteen’s Zoom deal drew nearly 170 viewers online – much to Mautone’s chagrin. “I really don’t think we need to make it accessible to the whole universe,” the lawyer muttered before the 20-minute hearing began. “At 11 o’clock, we will stop access and start.”