Justin Bieber Arrested on Drag Racing, DUI Charges
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Courtesy Miami Dade Corrections Department(MIAMI) — Justin Bieber was arrested early Thursday morning after leaving a Miami Beach club, accused of drag racing and DUI, police said. Police allege the pop singer admitted to having beer, marijuana and prescription drugs in his system.
Miami Beach police said Bieber was pulled over for speeding in a yellow Lamborghini and failed a field sobriety test. This is a first-degree misdemeanor, which could get him up to six months in jail and have his license suspended for six months.
But he may be eligible for a program for first-time offenders that recurs the charge to reckless driving, says defense attorney Mark Eiglarsh, who is not involved in this case. Florida has zero tolerance for underage drinkers and if the singer enters a program for first-time offenders, Bieber will have to steer clear of all drugs and alcohol.
Miami Beach Police Chief Raymond Martinez told the Miami Herald that Bieber was under the influence of drugs and incoherent. He had his hands in his pockets and resisted arrest without violence, the chief said, adding that the singer didn’t have a driver’s license. His Georgia license was expired.
The musician’s entourage had apparently used their cars to block traffic on Pine Tree Drive at 26th Street, a residential area, at around 4 a.m., creating a drag strip for Bieber, who was in a Lamborghini, the newspaper reported.
Bieber’s bail was set at $2500: $1000 for resisting arrest, $1000 for DUI and $500 for driving with an expired license. He was released from jail just after 2 p.m. Eastern time. Wearing a black hoodie and shades, Bieber blew kisses to his fans as he walked out of the jail door and got into an Escalade. Then, he popped out of the car’s roof and waved to fans, making a peace sign.
Police report that the other alleged drag racer, who was racing Bieber in a red Ferrari, was Khalil Amir Shariff. He was also charged with DUI.
Bieber, 19, has faced increasing legal trouble in the past year. He was recently investigated by Los Angeles police after a neighbor accused Bieber of throwing eggs at his house.
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