Early Thursday morning – January, 23 – pop singer Justin Bieber was arrested in Miami under suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI), driving on an expired license, and resisting arrest after he was stopped while street racing.
According to the police report – which can be viewed here – Bieber was stopped shortly after 4:00 am Thursday when a Miami Beach officer noticed a street race in progress on a residential street. Bieber, who had been traveling approximately 25-30 mph above the posted speed limit, was driving a yellow Lamborghini.
The report states that Bieber began asking the officer why he had been stopped and that he smelled of alcohol, had bloodshot eyes, and was exhibiting other signs of impairment. Bieber then began using profanity, putting his hands in his pockets, and resisting officers' repeated requests to a search of his person and was taken into custody.
While en route to the holding facility, Bieber had allegedly denied being drunk after being told why we was being arrested. He later failed a series of standardized field sobriety tests (SFST) and later agreed to a breath test and drug evaluation. According to the Miami Beach Police Chief, Bieber had also made statements that he was consumed alcohol, smoked marijuana, and took prescription medication.
Under Investigation or Arrest? Watch What You Say.
Justin Bieber's latest run in with the law can serve as an important reminder to anyone who may find themselves facing criminal investigations or arrests – always watch what you say. When under investigation, being questioned by a law enforcement officer, or when under arrest, it's never a good idea to speak with the police.
According to our very own Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Jeremey Lessem, it's important to remember that, "you have a Constitutional right to remain silent. Whatever you say can and will be used against you, even if it's just a denial. If the police want to talk, you have the right to refuse and the right to request an attorney."
As demonstrated by Bieber, it is an especially bad idea to use expletives and curse out law enforcement officers – and only further increases the likelihood of arrest. Attorney Lessem notes that "police have a lot of leeway in terms of how to write up a report and what charges to recommend. Be polite, but don't agree to provide any statements until after you consult with an attorney."
Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP provides experienced criminal defense – including DUI defense – to residents throughout Los Angeles and Southern California. To learn more about your particular case and how our firm may be able to help, contact a Los Angeles DUI lawyer at (800) 462-7160.
