Comedian Artie Lange, who regularly makes guest appearances on Howard Stern’s radio program, has been charged with driving under the influence of an intoxicant following a Ocean County car accident last Friday. According to reports, Toms River police made the DUI arrest of the witty stand-up artist after the 2009 Nissan Sentra he was driving ran into the back of a Pontiac Grand Am in the early afternoon.
It is widely known that the performer has had trouble with substance abuse over the years, from prescription medicines and alcohol to heroin. Although the crash was not serious, with no injuries, police noted Lange’s odd behavior following the incident and decided to arrest him.
As a New Jersey DWI and DUI defense attorney, I have represented many clients that were arrested by police due to strange behavior after an automobile accident. Although Lange has had a history of substance abuse, it would be wrong to assume the man is guilty of drug DUI simply on that fact alone.
News reports indicate that Lange, who was on his way to a promotional event for his best-selling book, “Too Fat to Fish,” was released after being issued a summons to appear in court this Thursday, July 16 — on Tuesday Lange’s attorney entered a not guilty plea, stating the comedian had passed an Alcotest breath test, which probably rules out alcohol but says nothing about impairment due to possible drug use. If found guilty of a first-time drug DUI offense, Lange could receive up to 30 days in jail, a maximum of $1,000 and possible loss of his driver’s license for as long as 12 months.
Entertainment news outlets say that Lange’s physical and mental health has been showing some signs of improvement over the past few months. The heavyset comedian had reportedly lost more than fifty pounds as well as claiming total sobriety. He has been reported as saying that that he was in love with a new girlfriend, but that if he ever started using drugs again, she should “get the hell away from me.”
The lawyers at The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall have vast experience in representing clients charged with drug DUI, drunk driving and refusal to submit to a breath test. As a former prosecuting attorney for a number of New Jersey municipalities, I understand the procedures and techniques used by the state and local communities in cases such as this, which is why individuals seek my firm’s services again and again.
Comedian Artie Lange charged with DUI after a car accident, TheMoneyTimes.com, July 13, 2009
Artie Lange busted for DUI in New Jersey, Examiner.com, July 10, 2009