By Daily Press staff
MALIBU — Actor Mel Gibson pleaded no contest Thursday to a misdemeanor DUI of having a.08 percent or higher blood alcohol content and was sentenced to three years probation, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office announced.
The actor’s attorney entered the plea on his behalf before Malibu Superior Court Judge Lawrence Mira, said Deputy District Attorney Gina Satriano. Gibson did not appear in court.
“This was an appropriate outcome which addresses all the public safety concerns of drinking and driving,” Satriano said.
Under the terms of a plea agreement, Judge Mira ordered the 50-year-old actor to attend AA meetings five times a week for 4 1/2 months and three AA meetings per week for the remainder 7 1/2 months. He also was ordered to enroll in an alcohol abuse program for three months. In addition, Gibson was fined a total of $1,300 and his license was restricted for 90 days by the DMV. In exchange for his plea, the two remaining charges were dismissed.
The actor volunteered to do a public service announcement on the hazards of drinking and driving and volunteered to immediately enter into rehab, Satriano said.
Gibson was stopped about 2:09 a.m. July 28 on Pacific Coast Highway after a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputy observed him driving his 2006 Lexus LS at more than 85 mph. An open bottle of tequila allegedly was found in his car.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on August 18, 2006. Read the original PDF.