Released from jail on his own recognizance, Peter Murphy pleaded not guilty Tuesday to misdemeanor DUI and drug charges stemming from an alleged Los Angeles-area hit-and-run over the weekend — and his attorney indicated the singer still plans to embark on an extensive tour next month celebrating the 35th anniversary of his former band Bauhaus.
According to the Glendale News-Press, Murphy did not appear in court Tuesday but, rather, entered his plea through an attorney. He pleaded not guilty to three misdemeanor counts of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, hit-and-run driving and possessing methamphetamine.
Although he’d initially been booked on $500,000 bond, the judge released Murphy on his own recognizance despite prosecutors’ concerns he could be a flight risk. The judge also prohibited Murphy from driving “anywhere” under “any condition,” according to the newspaper.
Robert Wilson, Murphy’s attorney, told the News-Press he wouldn’t discuss the criminal case, but said Murphy still plans to go on tour: “We are going to take care of business,” Wilson told the newspaper.
Wednesday, two statements regarding the case were posted to Murphy’s Facebook page, noting the prosecutors had lowered planned felony charges to misdemeanors and saying Murphy “wishes to thank everyone for their support and can’t wait to start touring” (see statements below). The second statement reported that Murphy’s blood alcohol content was “was measured at 0.01, way under the 0.08 which is legal. This is the lowest amount of alcohol that is able to register on a breathalyser.”
Murphy — who lives in Turkey — is set to embark on a lengthy tour celebrating the 35th anniversary of goth-rock legends Bauhaus, performing concerts solely comprised of material by his former band. That trek opens April 22 in San Antonio, Texas, and runs through late July, covering North America and Europe.
The singer was arrested Saturday. Police say he was driving a Subaru Forester when he rear-ended a Mercedes around 11:48 a.m. in an intersection in Glendale, Calif., then fled the scene — but was followed to Los Angeles by an eyewitness who told police “he was afraid (Murphy) would kill someone with his driving.” The witness blocked Murphy’s vehicle until police came and took him into custody.
Police noted that Murphy appeared “very confused” and was unsure of the day and time, according to the newspaper. He denied drinking alcohol, but said he had taken prescription mediation for depression.
According to the paper, police reported finding a small bag of methamphetamine inside the patrol car in which Murphy had been detained, and believe the singer had been trying to discard it.
Murphy denied the drugs were his.
Statement from Peter Murphy:
Dear All
Peter will be performing all tour dates as planned after being released from custody last night.
All charges that were originally filled as felonies were lowered to misdemeanours and Peter was released with with no bail or restrictions.
Even on the lower charges Peter has pleased not guilty.
He wishes to thank everyone for their support and can’t wait to start touring
A note from Peters Lawyer
Peter Murphy was arrested by the Glendale Police Department on March 16th and was originally charged with Driving Under the Influence Causing Injury as a felony. In addition, Mr. Murphy was charged with Hit & Run and Drug Possession as misdemeanours.
The Glendale Police Department sought a bail deviation and bail was set at $500,000.00. However, the District Attorney’s Office filed a complaint in Glendale Superior Court charging Mr Murphy with misdemeanor DUI, Hit & Run and Drug Possession.
Mr. Murphy’s lawyers from Hutton & Wilson entered a plea of not guilty to all charges and Mr. Murphy was released on his own recognizance.
Second statement:
Just to clarify something after a couple of comments below and please read carefully.
The amount of Alcohol in Peters Bloodstream was measured at 0.01 way under the 0.08 which is legal. This is the lowest amount of alcohol that is able to register on a breathalyser.
We cannot say anything more right now as after pleading NOT guilty to all charges Peter now must say no more until this matter is resolved.
PREVIOUSLY ON SLICING UP EYEBALLS
- Peter Murphy facing DUI, meth charges following Southern California hit-and-run
- Peter Murphy to play all-Bauhaus concerts in U.S. to mark band’s 35th anniversary
- Peter Murphy debuts ‘Velocity Bird’ video, will post rare footage to new YouTube channel
- Peter Murphy to perform ‘Deep,’ all-Bauhaus set at California concerts next weekend
- Peter Murphy announces $500-a-ticket ‘Halloween Miracula’ concert in Los Angeles
- Video: Peter Murphy duets with Stan Lee on ‘That Old Black Magic’ at Comikaze kick-off
- Dalis Car ‘InGladAloneness’ EP — featuring Peter Murphy, Mick Karn — out in April
- Q&A: Peter Murphy on ‘Ninth,’ the break-up of Bauhaus, reuniting Dalis Car with Mick Karn
He’s out on bail and out of jail and that’s the way it goes.
Can you imagine being his attorney? “Yes, your honor, my client is the former singer for Bauhaus. No, the drugs aren’t his…”
LMAO! ;)
If/when he ultimately appears in court, I just hope he gets lowered down into the chamber hanging upside down like a bat! ;-)
With fog from dry ice blowing into the court.
I saw him at the Orangevale show a year and a half ago. I think he didn’t show up in court because he only has the leather pants and still likes to go commando. That would have raised his bail.
I love how everyone sees this as comedic. As ebbhead said, that’s it, nothing more to see here. I just hope Peter’s business returns to being out of the tabloid’s radar. Blame it on twilight and california in general. Can’t wait to see you again in NYC Peter! Glad the tour’s still on! Love you!
Richie
“Blame it on…California…,” Richie?! Hmm..maybe you’re on to something. Hasn’t he done about 20 CA shows in the past three years? How about he skips the Golden State all together from here on out, and we’ll see if he makes it out your way in that Forester. No CA love, but happy returns for Peter?! Dream on, dude…
I want to know what he blew on the methalyser.
He.s going to end up in the JAILHAUS.
WOW, I wonder how much his already overpriced MEET AND GREETS are going to be to pay for this METH, uhm I mean MESS?!?
And YES, I think us CALIFORNIAN.S got to see him plenty as he toured FOUR TIMES last year; now I see where he gets ALL his energy from: PETER METHY …
… Illusions in a METH …
… METH Call …
… METH Hysteria …
… Blow Room …
… What A Meth …
… Surrendered/Arrested …
Geez, grrreat firm thar, hardy har har, how many typos and misspelled words and poor grammar are on there?! Looks like you picked a winner!