Singer Rick Springfield Charged with 2 counts of DUI

In Malibu, California, singer and actor Rick Springfield is scheduled to be arraigned on two misdemeanor DUI charges in connection with his May 1 arrest in Malibu. Since his charges are misdmeanor's, he is not required to attend the hearing in Malibu Superior Court.

He is charged with one misdemeanor count each of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and driving while having a 0.08 percent or higher blood-alcohol content. He is best known for the 1981 hit "Jessie's Girl" . A sheriff's deputy from the Malibu Hills station observed Springfield as he accelerated rapidly in his 1963 Corvette, while driving on Pacific Coast Highway, according to a statement from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

He was pulled over on a traffic stop and given field sobriety tests. An analysis of his breath indicated a blood-alcohol level of 0.10 percent, higher than the state limit of 0.08 percent. He was released early the next morning.

Anyone stopped in Los Angeles County for drunk driving should expect an aggressive response from police. With drunk driving and DUI arrests on the rise, police have responded by increasing traffic stops and checkpoints, greatly increasing your chances of being arrested for a driving under the influence. Because a DUI is a criminal offense, it is important to have a a strong Los Angeles DUI attorney working on your side. A conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs in California carries harsh penalties, which includes a suspended driver's license, possible jail time, fines and possibly even mandatory alcohol or drug treatment programs and community service.

At Cron, Israels & Stark, drunk driving lawyers Steve Cron and Philip Israels care about every one of our clients and are dedicated to providing you with the best DUI legal representation possible. There are many legal defenses in dealing with a DUI charge, which you can learn about our DUI Overview or DUI Court Process pages. Call our office for a free case consultation.