Lead Singer of ’80s Glam Band Busted for Los Angeles DUI

Celebrity gossip website Tmz.com is reporting that Jani Lane, the front man for the big hair band Warrant, was arrested on Wednesday for Los Angeles DUI. According to report, the 45 year-old singer–best known for the ’80s hit song Cherry Pie–careered into a parked car at around 9:30pm in the Woodland Hills area. The fact that Lane may have caused some property damage may complicate his defense against the charge of driving under the influence in Los Angeles.

Fortunately, neither Lane nor anyone else appears to have been injured in the accident. However, a report suggests that Lane had been acting drunkenly after police arrived at the scene, and his post-accident behavior may further complicate his case. A top notch Southern California DUI attorney could investigate whether Lane might be eligible for alternative sentencing options, such as rehab and treatment, instead of jail time and severe fines.

As of this posting, Lane remains behind bars at the Van Nuys Division of The Los Angeles Police department pending a $30,000 bail. According to California Vehicle Code section 23152 (a), driving a motor vehicle while “under the influence” of alcohol and/or drugs constitutes a state crime that can be punishable by:

• Jail sentence
• Substantial fines
• Driver’s license suspension
• Points on your record at the DMV

Alternative or reduced sentences may be available to some defendants, including:

• Community service
• Mandatory drug/alcohol counseling
• Probation
• Smaller fines/less jail time

Fortunately for Lane, reports suggest that he will face a misdemeanor charge–not a felony. This is a ray of good news for the glam metal star, in that felony DUIs carry strict mandatory punishments, including jail time and license suspension, and can be more expensive to defend.

His sentence may also depend on details that have not yet been reported, such as:

• Did Lane submit to a blood, urine, or breathalyzer test?
• Has Lane been arrested previously on charges of driving while intoxicated in Southern California?
• How much property damage did he do, if any?

If you have been arrested for a DUI in Los Angeles or you are under investigation for driving under the influence in Southern California, please contact Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Michael Kraut for 24/7 assistance by phone at (323) 464-6453 or toll free at (888) 334-6344 or online.