Chad Kroeger Can't Drive For A Year After Being Sentenced And Fined For DUI

05/02/08 5:00pm

by Kate Harper (CHARTattack)

Nickelback frontman Chad Kroeger won't be able to drive for a year and must pay a $600 fine after being sentenced on Thursday for drunk driving.

Kroeger (real name Chad Turton) was found guilty earlier this month of driving with a blood-alcohol level almost twice the legal limit and appeared in court in Surrey, B.C. to be sentenced on Thursday. He could spend six months in jail if he breaks the driving ban.

"Don’t drink and drive," Kroeger told Canadian Press outside the courtroom after he was sentenced. "I don't condone drinking and driving. I don't think you should do it. Everybody makes mistakes."

Kroeger was given the minimum sentence. Lawyer Marvin Stern says the sentence is inconvenient for his radio-rocking client, who lives in a rural area, which will make it difficult to get around. Can't he just hire someone to drive him?

The 33-year-old was arrested in Surrey last June after he was caught speeding in his red Lamborghini. Two hours after he was pulled over, Kroeger's blood alcohol count was 0.14. In British Columbia, the legal blood alcohol content limit is 0.08. Stern unsuccessfully tried to get the charges dropped, arguing that the arresting officer ordered Kroeger to blow in his face, which the lawyer said constituted an unlawful search. Stern also argued the officer waited too long to take Kroeger's breath sample. Judge Peder Gulbransen said while the officer shouldn't have asked Kroeger to blow in his face, he would let the evidence stand.

Kroeger isn't the only rocker to be sentenced for drunk driving this week. Stone Temple Pilots frontman Scott Weiland was sentenced to eight days in jail after being found guilty of drunk driving with a prior conviction.

Sammy Hagar still can't drive 55.