RACING INCIDENT
Pop star Justin Bieber is in legal trouble yet again, this time for his involvement in an illegal drag race in Miami, Florida. Ironically, the drag race will likely be the least of his problems as he has been charged with 3 separate violations: driving under the influence of alcohol, resisting arrest without the use of violence, and driving without a valid license.
According to the police report, officers saw Bieber driving a yellow Lamborghini in a street race against a red Ferrari whose driver turned out to be recording artist Khalil Sharieff. The cars were said to be going about 55 to 60 mph in a 30 mph zone. The report also stated that other vehicles were strategically positioned so as to facilitate an open road for the race.
Let’s take a quick look at each of the three charges:
DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL
Considering the 19-year-old singer is two years shy of the legal drinking age, any trace amount of alcohol found in his system while driving can be grounds for conviction.
So far, no BAC has been released to positively conclude that he had been drinking, but the singer himself admitted to having consumed some alcohol, and that he had been smoking marijuana and consumed some prescription medication (word to the wise: don’t make any statements to the police until your attorney is present). On top of his admission, the arrest report describes Bieber as having a “flushed face, bloodshot eyes, and the odor of alcohol on his breath.” Moreover, Bieber failed a field sobriety test administered by the Miami Beach Police.
RESISTING ARREST
As the old saying goes, you can catch more flies with sugar than with vinegar. When a police officer pulls you over, it’s in your best interest to be respectful. More importantly, when a police officer tells you he is placing you under arrest, you are expected to fully comply with his instructions.
Based on the police reports, it seems Bieber failed to do both of those things. According to the Miami Beach Police Chief Raymond Martinez, Bieber started using profanity with the officer who pulled him over, saying “What the f*** did I do?” Next, Bieber allegedly ignored the officer’s request to keep his hands on the car while he did a cursory patdown for weapons. Bieber responded to the patdown by removing his hands from the car and saying, “ I ain’t got no f***ing weapons! Why do you have to search me? What the f*** is this about?” The officer then warned him that if he continued to take his hands off his vehicle, he would be subject to arrest. In response, Bieber took his took his hands off the vehicle once again, and this time turned around to face the officer—leading to his arrest.
DRIVING WITHOUT A VALID LICENSE
Having to get your license renewed can be annoying, but it’s worth it. During the course of Biebers’ arrest it was discovered that his Georgia-issued drivers license had expired back in June of 2013—more than 6 months ago. An easily avoidable charge added to the list.