Justin Bieber has pleaded not guilty to charges of DUI, resisting arrest without violence, and driving with an expired license in Florida.
According to the Associated Press (AP) , court records reveal Bieber’s attorney, Roy Black, filed the written plea Wednesday in Miami-Dade County.
Bieber was set an arraignment court date of February 14, but under Florida law the 19-year-old singer does not have to attend.
Defense attorney Mark Shapiro told AP a decision on whether Justin will attend has not yet been made.
The “ Baby” star and his friend, R&B singer Khalil Amir Sharieff, were arrested last week in Miami Beach during what police described as an illegal street drag race between a Lamborghini (Bieber) and a Ferrari (Sharieff). Neither driver was charged with drag racing.
Miami police say Bieber was “belligerent” during his arrest and further allege the singer admitted to smoking marijuana, drinking a beer, and taking a prescription medication.
In almost blizzard-like conditions, the busy superstar arrived in Toronto on Wednesday to face assault charges amid screaming fans and an escort of police.
It’s alleged Bieber assaulted a Toronto limousine driver in December. Toronto Police were called to investigate an assault allegation on Dec. 29, 2013.
At the time, police told media outlets they could not confirm if Bieber or a member of his crew who was the subject of the complaint.
Photo: Justin Bieber is swarmed by media as he turns himself in to police in Toronoto on assault charge via @AP pic.twitter.com/pCAfqtHhvo
— Miami Herald (@MiamiHerald) January 30, 2014
Fast forward to a month later, the pop star was officially charged with assault Wednesday.
Bieber’s manager, Scooter Braun, tweeted requests Wednesday night for the public not to prejudge, also admonishing those who criticized the teen star’s parents.
Lawyer Black, said the singer will issue a statement later tonight.
Meanwhile, Bieber’s residency status is now on the radar for the White House after a We The People petition asking President Barack Obama to deport Justin reached the qualifying 100,000 signatures prompting a mandatory response from the White House.
for all those asking @JeremyBieber and @pattiemallette love their son. Stop passing judgement on a situation u dont understand.
— Scooter Braun (@scooterbraun) January 29, 2014
i ask people to be kind and hope for the best in people. not assume the worst. thanks
— Scooter Braun (@scooterbraun) January 29, 2014