Latest news with #DUIs
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Billy Joel sets record straight over DUI rumors after multiple concerning car accidents
is setting the record straight. In his candid new two-part HBO documentary, Billy Joel: And So It Goes, the music legend tackles the ups and downs of his life in the spotlight, including long-standing rumors that he's had multiple DUIs. The 76-year-old singer, who announced he is battling the brain disorder, normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), earlier this year, makes it clear: those stories are false. 'I didn't like the tabloid kind of press. For example, there's this rumor that I have all these DUIs,' Joel says in the film. 'That never happened.' 'But people keep repeating the myth. 'Oh, he's got so many DUIs.' I never had a DUI. So f**k you,' he adds. 'The press can be mean. So having that much attention paid to you is not easy.' The deeply personal documentary, now streaming on HBO, explores a turbulent chapter in Joel's life during the mid-2000s when he stepped out of the public eye. During that time, he was involved in several car accidents, leading many to speculate about substance use. In June 2002, Joel crashed his 1999 Mercedes-Benz. The following year, he drove a 2002 Mercedes into a tree in Sag Harbor and was treated for head injuries. Then in 2004, he lost control of his 1967 Citroen in Bayville, crashing into an empty house. The final accident left him with a cut finger and minor damage to the car, according to the documentary. Still, Joel insists those incidents weren't alcohol-related. In a 2013 interview with The New York Times Magazine, he clarified: 'I never had a DUI in my life. That's another fallacy. Look at the police records.' Instead, he attributed the accidents to emotional struggles. 'My mind wasn't right. I wasn't focused. I went into a deep, deep depression after 9/11. 9/11 just knocked the wind out of me, and I don't know even now if I've recovered from it. It really, really hurt that man could do that to man. And then there was a breakup with somebody, and it took me a while to get me back on my feet again.' And So It Goes, directed by Susan Lacy and Jessica Levin, not only clears up misconceptions but also takes a closer look at Joel's battles with depression, substance abuse, and the road to recovery. As Joel told People in a recent cover story, it wasn't easy to revisit some of those moments. 'Some of the stupid stuff I did, that's painful to talk about,' he admitted. Initially hesitant about the documentary, Joel said, 'My goal was to get it over with… When I do interviews, people just ask you about yourself and you get a little self-conscious about it eventually. It's almost embarrassing. When you're talking about your personal life detached from the material… I suppose there's a little bit of wariness involved.' The film also includes insights from those closest to him, including his sister Judy, daughter Alexa Ray, 39, and longtime friends and collaborators like lighting designer Steve Cohen and booking agent Dennis Arfa. Cohen reflected on Joel's resilience and drive: 'You make mistakes. He always said to me, "You show up. You do the best you can. You admit when you're wrong and you let other people tell you how good you are. You don't tell yourself how good you are."' And ultimately, Cohen hopes fans walk away with a deeper understanding of the man behind the music. 'I hope fans walk away realizing how f**king human he is, and I hope they come back listening to these songs again with a deeper affection. I hope that you walk away from this thing going, 'I now justify my fandom. I know why this guy is as good and why I respond to it, because that's the kind of guy I can relate to his life. I can relate to those emotions.' Despite his hesitations to do the documentary, Joel was an open book as he looked back on his failed marriages, battle with alcohol, financial troubles and much more. The singer also opens up about pre-fame suicide attempts and his mother's alcoholism. And So It Goes has already gained glowing reviews from Rolling Stone, Variety, and Newsday. In May, the Piano Man singer shared that he had been diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). The condition has impacted Joel's 'hearing, vision, and balance,' according to the social media post. A spokesperson for the singer said that his condition had been 'exacerbated' by recent performances. Normal pressure hydrocephalus is caused by too much fluid collecting in the ventricles, or spaces in the brain and spinal cord, putting pressure on these areas and triggering its symptoms, including struggling to walk, an inability to control the bladder and memory problems. This happens because the excess fluid compresses and stretches the brain tissue, interfering with the control of muscles and communication between nerve cells. When diagnosed early, NPH can often be effectively treated with surgery that drains excess fluid from the brain, relieving pressure and symptoms - but it can often be mistaken at an early stage for other illnesses such as dementia. However, if left untreated, the condition may lead to permanent damage in its later stages. Joel's illustrious career as a musician began back in the mid-1960, which led to the release of debut studio album, Cold Spring Harbor (1971). But it failed to gain any real traction until after the success of his follow-up, Piano Man (1973), that peaked at number 25 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number four on the Adult Contemporary singles chart. Now an established name on the musical landscape, Joel became a million seller with the release of Streetlife Serenade (1974), but his commercial breakout making him a bonafide star came with the release of The Stranger (1977), which featured the hit singles Movin' Out (Anthony's Song), Just The Way You Are, She's Always a Woman, The Stranger, and Only The Good Die Young. He would go on to release a 13th album - Fantasies & Delusions (2001) - that features classical compositions from Joel, a first for him during his career. With over 160 million records sold worldwide, Joel is one of the world's best-selling musical artists, and the fourth-best-selling solo artist in the United States.
Globe and Mail
30-05-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
New legal guide helps Illinois drivers regain licenses cost-effectively
Illinois, USA - Driver Defense Team, Chicagoland's premier trial law firm for Illinois drivers, today announced the release of their new eBook, "How to Get Your License Back After DUIs: The Ultimate Guide to Illinois Secretary of State Reinstatement Hearings." This step-by-step guide combines the knowledge and experience of a 30-strong team of attorneys and legal professionals who have helped hundreds of Illinois residents get back on the road after having their license revoked — sometimes for years or even decades. "I talk to people all the time who have gone 20, even 30, years without a license," says Derek Martin, Partner and Co-Founder of the firm. "And we get why. The whole process poses a lot of questions with very few answers, and it's usually a lot easier to put it off. For less than the cost of lunch, we give people the answers they need. We've held nothing back." Demystifying Driver Revocation in Illinois In Illinois, driving is considered a privilege, not a right. This key distinction means the Secretary of State can take away a driver's license if they pose a threat to public safety. This can happen in many situations, including accumulating too many traffic violations, committing a serious offense, or neglecting financial responsibilities, such as failing to pay child support. Just as the Secretary of State can take away someone's license, they can give it back. But the process can be complicated. You'll have to attend a formal or an informal hearing, answer questions, and prove you won't threaten public safety if your driving privileges are reinstated. You might also need to meet additional requirements, such as completing a treatment program and drug and alcohol evaluation, and getting high-risk insurance. But before you can even consider attending a hearing to get your license back, you must be eligible. What many people don't realize is that the Secretary of State will let you go through the entire process of gathering evidence and attending a hearing even if you're not legally eligible. By following the advice given in How to Get Your License Back, you can avoid the stress and wasted time of attending a reinstatement hearing when the only possible outcome is that your request will be denied. The book covers every aspect of license reinstatement in Illinois, sharing all the secrets and tips from attorneys who exclusively deal with driving issues: How to determine if you're eligible (and alternatives for if you're not) How to get a copy of your driving abstract and step-by-step instructions on how to read it An in-depth explanation of the different types of hearings... and which is right for you The exact questions the Secretary of State will ask you (and how to answer them) How all those old tickets from back in the day can influence the Secretary of State's decision, and how to clean them up before your hearing. More Than an Inconvenience Having your license revoked can affect a person's entire life. For many, driving is essential for employment. Public transport and ridesharing services can be a short-term fix, but they're not financially sustainable in the long run. Public transport isn't even an option for those who transport tools or work across multiple locations. Then, there's the strain on family relationships. What begins as a spouse or older child being happy to help out turns into you becoming a burden. Derek continues, "Many clients tell us about the strain their license revocation has placed on their spouses, children, or other family members who have been tasked with driving them everywhere. Over time, this can cause tension and resentment within a household. For many people, this is a key motivator to start the process of getting their license back. "With this book, we're putting the power back in drivers' hands so they can get their licenses back — without the cost of hiring a lawyer." How to Get Your License Back After DUIs is available now through the Driver Defense Team website at for $7.00. About Driver Defense Team Driver Defense Team is the go-to firm for Chicagoland drivers facing traffic and license issues. With thousands of 5-star reviews and a client-satisfaction guarantee, the firm has helped thousands of Illinois residents with license reinstatement, DUI defense, CDL issues, and more across Cook, Lake, DuPage, and Kane County. Media Contact Company Name: Driver Defense Team Contact Person: Derek Martin Email: Send Email Address: 53 W. Jackson Blvd, Suite 140 City: Chicago State: Illinois, 60604 Country: United States Website:
Associated Press
30-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
New legal guide helps Illinois drivers regain licenses cost-effectively
Illinois, USA - Driver Defense Team, Chicagoland's premier trial law firm for Illinois drivers, today announced the release of their new eBook, 'How to Get Your License Back After DUIs: The Ultimate Guide to Illinois Secretary of State Reinstatement Hearings.' This step-by-step guide combines the knowledge and experience of a 30-strong team of attorneys and legal professionals who have helped hundreds of Illinois residents get back on the road after having their license revoked — sometimes for years or even decades. 'I talk to people all the time who have gone 20, even 30, years without a license,' says Derek Martin, Partner and Co-Founder of the firm. 'And we get why. The whole process poses a lot of questions with very few answers, and it's usually a lot easier to put it off. For less than the cost of lunch, we give people the answers they need. We've held nothing back.' Demystifying Driver Revocation in Illinois In Illinois, driving is considered a privilege, not a right. This key distinction means the Secretary of State can take away a driver's license if they pose a threat to public safety. This can happen in many situations, including accumulating too many traffic violations, committing a serious offense, or neglecting financial responsibilities, such as failing to pay child support. Just as the Secretary of State can take away someone's license, they can give it back. But the process can be complicated. You'll have to attend a formal or an informal hearing, answer questions, and prove you won't threaten public safety if your driving privileges are reinstated. You might also need to meet additional requirements, such as completing a treatment program and drug and alcohol evaluation, and getting high-risk insurance. But before you can even consider attending a hearing to get your license back, you must be eligible. What many people don't realize is that the Secretary of State will let you go through the entire process of gathering evidence and attending a hearing even if you're not legally eligible. By following the advice given in How to Get Your License Back, you can avoid the stress and wasted time of attending a reinstatement hearing when the only possible outcome is that your request will be denied. The book covers every aspect of license reinstatement in Illinois, sharing all the secrets and tips from attorneys who exclusively deal with driving issues: More Than an Inconvenience Having your license revoked can affect a person's entire life. For many, driving is essential for employment. Public transport and ridesharing services can be a short-term fix, but they're not financially sustainable in the long run. Public transport isn't even an option for those who transport tools or work across multiple locations. Then, there's the strain on family relationships. What begins as a spouse or older child being happy to help out turns into you becoming a burden. Derek continues, 'Many clients tell us about the strain their license revocation has placed on their spouses, children, or other family members who have been tasked with driving them everywhere. Over time, this can cause tension and resentment within a household. For many people, this is a key motivator to start the process of getting their license back. 'With this book, we're putting the power back in drivers' hands so they can get their licenses back — without the cost of hiring a lawyer.' How to Get Your License Back After DUIs is available now through the Driver Defense Team website at for $7.00. About Driver Defense Team Driver Defense Team is the go-to firm for Chicagoland drivers facing traffic and license issues. With thousands of 5-star reviews and a client-satisfaction guarantee, the firm has helped thousands of Illinois residents with license reinstatement, DUI defense, CDL issues, and more across Cook, Lake, DuPage, and Kane County. Media Contact Company Name: Driver Defense Team Contact Person: Derek Martin Email: Send Email Address:53 W. Jackson Blvd, Suite 140 City: Chicago State: Illinois, 60604 Country: United States Website: Source: PR Company
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
DUIs leading to parent's death would require child support from driver under Alabama bill
A police car behind crime scene tape. Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, has filed a bill that would require those convicted of DUIs involcving the death of a parent to pay child support for the victim's children. (Getty Images) An Alabama Senate committee is considering legislation that would require individuals to support the child of another family if they are convicted of a driving under the influence offense that resulted in a parent's death. The Senate Judiciary Committee delayed action last week on SB 167, sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, would require such support to be paid until the child turns 19. 'The premise is to make sure we take care of the minor children that are left behind if the breadwinner is killed,' Orr said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX He told the committee that the idea from the bill originated from Texas. Orr said he thought to himself, 'Well, if it will prevent DUIs (driving under the influence), to know how serious we are about it.' The penalty would be in addition to other restitution that an individual who is convicted of the crime would owe. A death resulting from a person operating a motor vehicle or vessel while intoxicated is considered criminally negligent homicide under Alabama law, a Class C felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Language in the bill states that the court may consider the financial needs and resources of the surviving children as well as the parent or guardian, or the state of Alabama if no one else is available to care for the children. Other factors the court could consider include the standard of living of the family, the physical and emotional needs of the children as well as educational considerations. 'The reasonable work-related child care expenses of the surviving parent or guardian,' the bill states. Orr also proposed an amendment to the legislation stating that the penalty is separate from any civil penalties that a court may impose in the case because of wrongful death, which could add to the financial burden of those who are convicted. Sen. Greg Albritton, R-Atmore, had concerns that the penalty could effectively require the person convicted of the parent's death to have a relationship with the family whose loved one was killed. 'I don't know if we want to go that route,' he said to the committee. 'I can see creative lawyers using that in that way.' Albritton also said he was concerned about the broader impact the legislation has on the community. 'What about the guy who does this, and he has a family of his own?' Albritton said. 'We are not only punishing the individual, but we are also taking, and affecting more people, for the act of an individual. I think we need to be cautious of this.' Sen. Vivian Davis Figures, D-Mobile, asked the committee to consider the situation when a parent loses a child because a person is driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. 'If we are going to do something like this, I think we need to consider all cases when things happen by someone,' she said. After hearing all the arguments, Orr withdrew his proposed amendment and requested that a vote be delayed. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
