Justin Bieber’s arrest on charges of dangerous driving and assault has triggered an investigation by the Los Angeles County Probation department, to see whether the singer has violated his two-year probation sentence which could lead to jail time.
Justin Bieber’s arrest and later charging with assault and dangerous driving after his ATV collided with a paparazzo-driven minivan in Canada and allegedly led to a physical fight, has touched off an Los Angeles County Probation Department investigation.
Probation officials will decide whether the 20-year-old’s arrest and charges constitutes a violation of the two year probation sentence he was placed on after pleading no contest to an egging-related misdemeanor vandalism charge on July 10, TMZ reports.
Other plea deal terms included 12-weeks of anger management , five days of community service, $80,900 restitution and an order for Bieber to stay away from the neighbor and his family – whose house was egged in January – for two years.
CBC News reports the singer was arrested on Friday, August 29, in Canada, but released “on a promise” to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Stratford on September 29. He was charged with dangerous driving and assault on Monday, when he turned himself in at a local police station.
The alleged incident took place on a road in Perth County, Ontario, where Bieber lived as a child. The singer’s girlfriend Selena Gomez sat behind him as a passenger on the ATV. Over the weekend, online photos showed the couple riding the vehicle on Friday.
Justin Bieber Arrested For Dangerous Driving, Assault After ATV Accident
Ontario Provincial Police Constable Kees Wijnands, told press on Tuesday that the assault charge arose after Bieber — whom he called “very polite” – allegedly got into a fight with a man inside the mini-van after the alleged collision, while the dangerous driving charge was down to driving police believed was “a danger to the public.”
Another police official said the other party in the alleged fight was not charged.
( Photo: Bieber and Gomez pictured on an ATV in Stratford, Ontario, on Friday, August 29, during an otherwise “peaceful trip” for the recently reunited couple. )
Bieber’s latest arrest is his third in total and second in Canada, after his arrest for assault in Toronto in January for allegedly hitting a limousine driver on December 30. His lawyers have said that he is innocent in that case. The next scheduled hearing is September 8.
At face value, the singer’s Canada arrest may well be seen by the Los Angeles Probation Department as a violation.
So, what’s the worst that could happen?
Speaking to Hollywood Life , criminal attorney Hart Levin — who is not part of the probation investigation — said the L.A. district attorney “probably will proceed against” Justin.
Levin added: “Getting arrested in Canada is definitely violating the probation, so they can arrest him, notify his attorney of the pending violation, or send a letter… of a pending court date.”
“Most likely Justin’s attorney will reach out to the D.A. preemptively to prevent an arrest.”
“And it is all up to the D.A. if they are going to proceed on the violation,” he went on. “They probably will proceed against him.”
Despite this, Hart thinks that Justin is “unlikely” to end up in jail.
“It can definitely result in jail time, a maximum of one year , but that is extremely unlikely,” he says. “More likely, something like an additional 30 days in jail, or community service, something in that range. Jail is unlikely though.”
“More likely, he will admit to the violation without the hearing,” Hart continued. “That way he can admit and accept the punishment knowing the punishment going in — rather than having the actual probation violation hearing without him knowing what the punishment may be.”
After Justin’s arrest and charging, his lawyer Brian H. Greenspan, released a statement to ABC News .
“Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez’ peaceful retreat in Stratford this weekend was unfortunately disrupted by the unwelcome presence of the paparazzi. This has regrettably resulted in charges of dangerous driving and assault.”
Greenspan added. “Mr Bieber and Ms. Gomez have fully cooperated in the police investigation. We are hopeful that this matter will be quickly resolved.”
The lawyer said Justin was being chased by photographers when the alleged incident happened, adding that his client had been enjoying a “peaceful retreat” at his father’s home when it was interrupted by paparazzi.
( Photo: Bieber and Gomez arrived via private jet at Waterloo Airport, Ontario, August 27 .)
Meanwhile, Roy Black, who was Justin’s lawyer in his resolved Miami DUI case, slammed the violation of the singer’s privacy.
Of probation, he states: “The latest matter will not affect his Miami case since it is closed and he is not on probation. Justin, like many celebrities, are continually harassed by the paparazzi.”
“Their privacy is shredded and these incidents can become dangerous. While the public is not particularly sympathetic — they must realize how difficult these cameramen make their lives. So I am not surprised there is a conflict.”
The attorney concluded: “It happens quite often and as long as paparazzi are highly paid for their photographs they will continue. This is one reason I would not agree to probation.”
TMZ reported the Canadian photogs involved in the alleged incident are now represented by famed attorney Gloria Allred, while CBC News notes Allred stated she represents “two victims” in the incident.
Citing law enforcement sources, TMZ reported Probation Department officials will contact law enforcement in Canada to confirm incident details. The site states probation officers have 30 days to notify the court of any alleged violation. The court then gets to decide if Justin’s probation is to be revoked, and on possible jail time.”
Bieber’s latest arrest comes after his Ferrari was rear-ended last week by a paparazzo.
After the incident, the frustrated-sounding singer tweeted: “We should have learned from the death of Princess Diana ,” adding that he does not “have a problem” with paparazzi but “when they act recklessly they put us all in danger.”
It remains to be seen whether the paparazzi’s trespassing on Bieber’s father’s land and stalking of a young couple — will be taken into account by probation authorities when it decides the question of violation .
Or a judge, if it comes to that.
[ Images via PacificCoastNewsOnline. ]