| For Immediate Release Case # TBA
April 22, 2008 |
Susan Kang Schroeder Public Affairs Counsel Office: 714-347-8408 Cell: 714-292-2718 Farrah Emami
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MUSICIAN CHARGED WITH DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL IN LAGUNA BEACH
NEWPORT BEACH – A musician was charged today with driving under the influence of alcohol in Laguna Beach. Richard Steven Sambora, 48, Laguna Beach, is charged with two misdemeanor counts for driving under the influence of alcohol and driving with a blood alcohol level of .08 percent or more. He faces a maximum sentence of six months in jail if convicted. Sambora was released on his own recognizance. He is scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday, May 7, 2008 at the Harbor Justice Center in Newport Beach, but has the option to advance his arraignment and appear before his scheduled hearing. As the defendant is facing misdemeanor charges, he is not required to be present in court.
On March 25, 2008, Sambora is accused of veering over the white painted lines and straddling two lanes in his Hummer H2 while driving southbound on South Coast Highway in Laguna Beach. He is accused of having a blood alcohol level of .13 percent. Two minors and an adult female were in the vehicle with the defendant. The minors were released to the custody of the adult passenger.
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