Although celebrities may seem larger-than-life, they have all of the same legal rights and responsibilities that we do, and a celeb behaving badly behind the wheel can provide the rest of us many teachable moments about DUI consequences.
Here are our picks for the top 5 celebrity DUI stories from the first-half of 2011, complete with the most memorable learn-your-lesson DUI moments:
1. Estella Warren
Don’t brawl with the cops after being pulled over for a DUI. The “Planet of the Apes” star was charged with the extra offenses of battery on a police officer and resisting arrest after she allegedly popped an officer in the face when she was detained.
Instead, take a page from Samantha Ronson, Lindsay Lohan’s ex-flame. Ronson reportedly cooperated with police and was released from jail without bail a couple of hours later. Bail for Warren? A mere $100,000. Lesson learned.
2. Rick Springfield
Just being a tad over the legal limit still blows. The daytime-drama star was pulled over in his Corvette for speeding and received a DUI charge for driving with a blood-alcohol content (BAC) level of 0.10 percent. The legal limit in California is 0.08 percent. The 0.02 percent difference is the equivalent of licking the beer sweat off a pint glass, so watch your alcohol intake. You’re probably drunker (under the law) than you think.
3. Matthew Rutler
On the other hand, taking a BAC test could save you from a DUI even if you appear drunk. DUI charges were dropped against Rutler, Christina Aguilera’s boy-toy, after his BAC level was found to be at 0.06 percent. Rutler had originally been pulled over for driving erratically and arrested. You have the right to request a BAC test if you believe you aren’t intoxicated, but proceed at your own risk (see Rick Springfield above).
4. Jaime Pressly
Don’t mix your drinks with driving and divorce (or any) drama - research has shown that depression and stress could increase your BAC level.
The pint-sized, 110 lbs.-soaking-wet actress was in the midst of a highly-publicized divorce when authorities pulled her over for suspected DUI. Pressly’s BAC level was reportedly three times higher than the legal limit. Maybe it was the stress, her size, or one-too-many; either way, stay away from drinks, drives and drama.
5. Adam Kennedy
The second baseman may be playing for the Seattle Mariners now, but he was in town in January when he was arrested on suspicion of DUI. Even though the Emerald City is his new home, the ex-Anaheim Angel still has to report to his former homebase for court appearances. As Kennedy has now figured out, don’t take it on the road, or you’ll have to keep coming back.
The main moral of celebrity DUI stories? Don’t get behind the wheel if you have been drinking. If it doesn’t work out well for celebrities with million-dollar DUI attorneys on retainer, the DUI consequences will probably be worse for you.
Related Resources:
- Find a Los Angeles DUI Attorney (FindLaw)
- California DUI Laws (FindLaw)
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