Keith Girard
Justin Bieber moved closer to criminal prosecution over a March 30 incident involving a neighbor.
Investigators from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department have reportedly recommended formal charges to the Los Angeles County District Attorney.
If the prosecutor’s office decides to go forward with a case Bieber likely will be charged with battery. The charge involves the willful and unlawful use of force or violence on another person, according to the California penal code.
A victim doesn’t have to show harm or injury for a guilty verdict, only whether the incident involved some type of unwanted physical contact. Given the nature of the charge, investigators must have concluded they have probable cause to believe Bieber spit on his neighbor.
A guilty verdict could result in anything from informal probation to six months in jail and a fine of up to $2,000. A judge can also order counseling and community service. A conviction would also give his neighbor grounds to file a civil suit for damages.
Given Bieber’s age and lack of previous criminal record, it’s unlikely he would receive a jail sentence. But community service, counseling and a fine are all distinct possibilities.
The incident was the latest in a series of run-ins with police, largely over traffic violations and loutish behavior. His previous incidents have involved fans or the photographers who constantly dog him. But this incident is different, which also increases the chances of prosecution.
It unfolded Tuesday (Mar. 30) after Bieber was spotted speeding around his posh surburban neighborhood, The Estates of the Oaks, in a new Ferrari. The neighbor estimated that he was driving in excess of 100 mph along streets where children frequently play.
When he approached Bieber about the incident, the singer allegedly became belligerent and ordered the man off his property, according to gossip site TMZ.
He allegedly spit in his face and screamed, “I’m going to f**king kill you!”
Sheriff’s investigators are worried that Bieber is out of control and could end up causing real damage or be seriously injured himself In the latest incident, Bieber was cited for at least six speeding violations during a concert stop in Dubai.