If you’ve been arrested for drunk driving, you might feel a bit embarrassed (which is a legitimate response.) But believe it or not, you’re in good company! There are LOADS of celebrities who’ve been arrested for DUIs over the years, both here in Michigan and all over the country. So while it certainly isn’t something we would ever recommend, it’s good to know that you’re not alone in making mistakes. Even the rich and famous screw up sometimes too.
Tim Allen
Whether you remember him as Tim “the tool man” Taylor from Home Improvement, or know him now as the voice of all those Pure Michigan ads, Allen is a well known actor and comedian. Born in Colorado, he moved to Michigan as a young child shortly after his dad was killed by a drunk driver.
Later in life, Allen was himself arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol here in Michigan in 1997. His BAC was recorded as being .15 (which is almost “super drunk”). He got one year of probation as part of his plea deal, and was required to enter rehab to address his alcohol addiction.
Anthony Kiedis
Another well-known celebrity and Michigan native, Kiedis plays guitar for the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Back in 1984, while staying with his mother in Michigan, he borrowed her car, drove to the bar, and got trashed. Instead of catching a cab home however, or calling a friend, Kiedis drove home.
He fell asleep behind the wheel, crashed into some trees, and broke his skull and crushed one orbital socket. He underwent extensive surgery, and was back on stage only a week later wearing a special face cast for the show! Keidis is now a “teetotaling” celebrity, who has been clean off drugs and alcohol for several years now, and intends to stay that way.
Paris Hilton
World famous socialite, reality television star, and one of the heirs to the Hilton Dynasty, she was arrested for drunk driving in 2006 in L.A. Charged with two misdemeanors, she was sentenced to three years’ probation, ordered to attend alcohol-education classes and fined $1,500. However the very next month she was pulled over for speeding on her suspended license, and sent to jail for 45 days. Hilton says being in jail changed her perspective on life, and made her realize how lucky she was.
Lindsay Lohan
This one probably won’t surprise anyone, as Lindsay Lohan‘s name has made the news repeatedly for her multiple drug and alcohol related arrests. She was first arrested for operating while intoxicated (and for possession of cocaine) in May of 2007. She was put on probation and ordered to complete an alcohol education program, Two years later the judge extended her probation so that she could complete the program, which she had still not done!
Later she skipped a court date, had a warrant issued, and was arrested. She was fitted with a SCRAM bracelet to track her drug and alcohol intake. But over the next few years, she is repeatedly arrested due to her failure to comply with court-ordered sobriety testing and community service.
Mel Gibson
This original Mad Max star was arrested for drunk driving in July of 2006 after he was pulled over for speeding in Malibu. This particular arrest was highly controversial, as Gibson made several inexplicable anti-semitic remarks which were recorded by the arresting officer and then made public for profit.
Gibson is a self-professed alcoholic who has a long history of binge-drinking. He has openly discussed his struggles with drugs and alcohol over the years, and now claims that if it wasn’t for AA, he woudn’t have survived his addiction.
Keifer Sutherland
The famous Jack Bauer of Fox Network’s 24 was lucky that his arrest didn’t take place here in MIchigan! He was arrested for DUI in September 2007, after being pulled over for an illegal U-turn. The catch is, his BAC was more than twice the legal limit, which here in the Great Lakes state means a super drunk driving charge!
Being charged with super drunk driving means double the fines, and twice the jail time. This was Sutherland’s fourth DUI conviction. Here in Michigan, that would be a felony. He pled no contest and spent 48 days in jail.
Have you been arrested for a DUI in Michigan?
As you can see, being a celebrity doesn’t often get you special treatment. Many of the Hollywood elite have spent time behind bars and in in court-ordered rehab to address their alcohol issues and drunk driving. And here in Michigan, drunk driving is treated particularly seriously. So if you or a loved one have been arrested for operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol recently, you’re going to need help.
Being convicted of drunk driving will be expensive, restrictive, and very frustrating. But while it may seem like there’s nothing anyone can do to help you, that couldn’t be further from the truth. At The Kronzek Firm we have many years of experience successfully defending clients against drunk driving charges, and we can help you too. If you’re facing drunk driving charges, contact us immediately at 866 766 5245 (866 7No Jail). We will work with you to protect your rights and ensure that you get the best possible defense.
