Bruce Springsteen Fined $540 For Illegally Consuming Alcohol, DWI Charge Dropped
SANDY HOOK, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Bruce Springsteen had his day in virtual court Wednesday to face charges relating to a DWI arrest in November.
The legendary rocker was seated next to his lawyer, Mitchell Ansell, for the closed 11 a.m. proceeding. Appearing before Magistrate Judge Anthony Mautone, Springsteen was dressed conservatively in a dark blazer, sweater and button-down shirt. The hearing lasted about 20 minutes, CBS2's Aundrea Cline-Thomas reported.
The incident occurred on Nov. 14. Springsteen, 71, was spotted by a park ranger in New Jersey's Gateway National Recreation Area downing a shot of tequila.
He was originally charged with driving while intoxicated, reckless driving and consuming alcohol in a closed area. All three are considered Class B misdemeanors and carried a possible $5,000 fine and six months in jail.
During the proceeding, the more serious charges of DWI and reckless driving were dismissed, after Springsteen's blood-alcohol level came back at .02. The rock icon did plead guilty to consuming alcohol in a closed area, stating he was not aware that alcohol had been banned in the Sandy Hook park as recently as 2019.
The judge imposed a $500 fine, plus an additional $40 in court costs.
Springsteen has a week to pay the fine. In a lighter moment, the judge jokingly asked him how much time he'll need to come up with the money.
The judge also commented on Springsteen's excellent driving record. Since 1973, he has only been cited three times, including a violation for using a hand-held cell device.
Recently, "The Boss" also made headlines for his acoustic performance at President Joe Biden's inauguration, and then about a month later in his first commercial for Jeep, a two-minute ad that ran during the Super Bowl. Following reports of his arrest, Jeep pulled the ad.