According to the Los Angeles Times, Mel Gibson must attend AA meetings, perform public service announcements and pay $1,300 in fines as part of a plea agreement to resolve his drunk driving charges. An attorney for the actor/director made a “no contest” plea this morning in a Malibu courtroom, weeks before the actor was to be arraigned.
Gibson was not present.
The embattled star pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of driving with an alcohol level of .08 percent or above. As part of the deal, two other charges — including driving with an open container of alcohol — were thrown out.
Gibson’s attorney, Blair Berk, said when it comes to misdemeanor cases, she usually comes to court sans her clients prior the scheduled date. She said in her 15 years of going to the Malibu courthouse, none of her misdemeanor clients have appeared.
The district attorney’s office expressed satisfaction with the outcome and closure of the case.
“This was an appropriate outcome, which addresses all the public safety concerns of drinking and driving,” D.A. Gina Satriano said in a statement.
According to the district attorney’s office, the 50-year-old actor and director, who has a history of drinking issues, must attend AA meetings five times a week for 4.5 months, then three AA meetings per week for the remaining 7.5 months. By T.H. Gossip math, that’s… a f*%king ton of meetings!
Gibson, who made headlines not only for his drunk driving, but for the odd and inflammatory tirade that followed, also must enroll in an alcohol abuse program for three months. In addition, Gibson must pay $1,300 in fines and his license will be restricted for 90 days.
The actor volunteered to do a public service announcement on the hazards of drinking and driving, and to immediately enter rehab, prosecutors said. Can they reverse his hatred for the wonderful Jews and gays in this world, though? We’ll have to wait and see.