8 High-Profile Celebrities Arrested for Drunk Driving

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It seems like every day we are met with another headline of a high-profile celebrity being arrested for drunk driving. This is a problem that is plaguing our society and needs to be addressed. We will explore the statistics behind drunk driving, what celebrities are doing wrong, and how you can avoid being arrested for DUI. So, let’s take a look at it.

The Statistics

Drunk driving is a serious problem in the United States. In 2016, there were 1,233 traffic deaths involving drivers with a blood-alcohol level of .08 or higher. This is a 3% increase from 2015, and it represents 29% of all traffic fatalities for the year, especially in big cities like New York, Chicago, and LA. If you ever get in an accident, make sure to speak with a Chicago DUI lawyer to understand your rights and protect yourself. Most drunk driving fatalities occur during the weekend, between the hours of midnight and 3 am. This is when people are likely to be out at bars and clubs, and they may be more likely to get behind the wheel after drinking too much. There are many celebrities who have been arrested for drunk driving. Some of the most high-profile cases include.

1. Vince Vaughn

Vince Vaughn was arrested in 2001 for drunk driving and driving without a valid license. He pleaded no contest to the charges and was sentenced to three years of probation and ordered to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. The actor has since been outspoken about the dangers of drunk driving and has said that he is grateful for the experience because it made him realize how serious the problem is. Additionally, Vaughn has starred in public service announcements about the dangers of drunk driving. The arrest occurred after Vaughn was pulled over for speeding. He failed a field sobriety test and his blood-alcohol level was .11%.

2. Matthew McConaughey

Matthew McConaughey was arrested in 1999 for drunk driving and possession of marijuana. He pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced to two years of probation. The actor has since been open about the experience and has said that it was a wake-up call. He has also said that he is grateful for the experience because it made him realize how serious the problem is. The arrest occurred after McConaughey was pulled over for speeding. He failed a field sobriety test and his blood-alcohol level was .14%.

3. Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon was arrested in 2013 for disorderly conduct after her husband was pulled over for drunk driving. Witherspoon was a passenger in the car and she became agitated with the officer when he asked her to stay in the vehicle. She was eventually handcuffed and taken into custody. The actress has since apologized for her behavior and has said that she is thankful for the experience because it made her realize how serious the problem is. The arrest occurred after Witherspoon’s husband was pulled over for speeding. He failed a field sobriety test and his blood-alcohol level was .12%.

4. Amanda Bynes

Amanda Bynes was arrested in 2012 for DUI after she rear-ended another vehicle. She pleaded no contest to the charges and was sentenced to three years of probation. The actress has since apologized for her behavior and has said that she is thankful for the experience because it made her realize how serious the problem is. The arrest occurred after Bynes rear-ended another vehicle. She failed a field sobriety test and her blood-alcohol level was .13%.

5. Lindsay Lohan

Lindsay Lohan was arrested in 2007 for DUI, driving on a suspended license, and cocaine possession. She pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced to one day in jail, 10 days of community service, and three years of probation. The actress has since apologized for her behavior and has said that she is thankful for the experience because it made her realize how serious the problem is. The arrest occurred after Lohan was pulled over for speeding. She failed a field sobriety test and her blood-alcohol level was .12%. Linsey Lohan is no stranger to the penitentiary as she was also previously arrested in 2005 and 2011 for DUI.

6. Paris Hilton

Paris Hilton was arrested in 2006 for DUI and driving on a suspended license. She pleaded no contest to the charges and was sentenced to three years of probation. The socialite has since apologized for her behavior and has said that she is thankful for the experience because it made her realize how serious the problem is. The arrest occurred after Hilton was pulled over for speeding. She failed a field sobriety test and her blood-alcohol level was .08%.

7. Snoop Dogg

Snoop Dogg was arrested in 2006 for DUI and driving on a suspended license. He pleaded no contest to the charges and was sentenced to three years of probation. The rapper has since apologized for his behavior and has said that he is thankful for the experience because it made him realize how serious the problem is. The arrest occurred after Snoop Dogg was pulled over for speeding. He failed a field sobriety test and his blood-alcohol level was .08%. Also, in 1993 Snoop Dogg was arrested for possession of cocaine.

8. Tim Allen

Tim Allen was arrested in 1997 for DUI and possession of cocaine. He pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced to one year of probation. The actor has since apologized for his behavior and has said that he is thankful for the experience because it made him realize how serious the problem is. The arrest occurred after Allen was pulled over for speeding. He failed a field sobriety test and his blood-alcohol level was .15%. This is not Tim Allen’s only experience with drugs as he was also arrested in 1978 for possession of heroin. He spent 28 months in federal prison as a result of that arrest.

Photo by Greg Rosenke on Unsplash

DUI is a serious offense that can lead to jail time, probation, and hefty fines. If you are caught driving under the influence, it is important to seek legal help immediately. An experienced DUI attorney can help you understand the charges against you and determine the best course of action. If you have been arrested for DUI, contact our office today for a free consultation.