We remain open and steadfast in our commitment to helping our clients during these difficult days.

Proven Approach With Results Forged Through Experience

Image of attorney Mark L. Deniz

Lessons to learn from Bruce Springsteen’s DUI arrest

On Behalf of | Mar 2, 2021 | DUI |

On Feb. 7, rock legend Bruce Springsteen appeared in his first-ever Super Bowl commercial driving a Jeep and urging unity for a divided nation. A couple of days later, the carmaker pulled the ad after it was disclosed that “The Boss” was charged with DUI in New Jersey last fall.

Springsteen, 71, was charged with driving while intoxicated, reckless driving and consuming alcohol in a closed area on Nov. 14 when he was stopped in Gateway National Recreation Area, a 27,000-acre national park in the Garden State.

Silence is golden in DUI cases

Officials released no additional details, but federal prosecutors are handling the case since it occurred in a national park, and Springsteen’s first court appearance was expected by the end of February. Still, the famed musician’s case emphasizes the steps anyone should take if stopped on suspicion of DUI:

  • Safely pull your vehicle off the road as quickly as possible
  • Turn the engine off, stay inside and place your hands on the steering wheel
  • Be polite to the officer and comply with their commands
  • Politely refuse to answer any questions about whether you’ve been drinking, who you were with or where you were
  • Pay close attention when an officer administers field sobriety or breathalyzer tests
  • Remain calm if you are arrested and request an attorney
  • As soon as possible, write down everything you can remember about the encounter

Anyone driving in California gives their “implied consent” to take a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) test. If you refuse, you face a one-year suspended or revoked license.

DUI defense strategies

Contacting an experienced San Diego DUI lawyer is crucial. You also greatly benefit from working with an attorney who used to prosecute these cases and will aggressively challenge possible rights violations or tainted evidence. These defenses include:

  • Inaccurate BAC levels due to delayed breath or blood tests
  • The officer incorrectly administered the tests
  • You are taking medication or have a physical ailment that led to the failed test
  • The breathalyzer was not calibrated correctly
  • Officers did not have probable cause to stop you

Experience matters for the best defense

Once you are arrested for DUI or any criminal charge, the clock starts ticking for potentially severe personal and financial consequences. Your lawyer will immediately examine all aspects of the case, including your notes, the police report and the alleged evidence against you.

Working quickly and proactively on building a defense strategy is vital to help you avoid charges or reduce penalties, regardless of whether you are a “rock star” or a “regular” citizen.

FindLaw Network