Tom Welling, ‘Smallville’ star, arrested on DUI charge in California
Actor Tom Welling, perhaps best known for his role as Clark Kent, and the up-and-coming Superman on the TV show “Smallville,” was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in Yreka, California. The incident occurred just after midnight on January 26, according to Deadline and My News 4.
WSB-TV-2 and TMZ also reported that the “Smallville” star had a blood alcohol level that was at or measured above the legal limit of 0.08%. Welling was taken into custody by the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office and later released
The 47-year-old actor was taken into custody in an Arby’s parking lot by officers from the Yreka Police Department shortly after midnight on Sunday. The New York Post reported obtaining Welling’s booking sheet, which described him as having a clear complexion with stubble and short hair and weighing 240 pounds. The document also noted that his speech was clear and listed his occupation as “actor — self employed.” Welling was charged and released without bail shortly after 7 a.m. local time on Sunday.
Earlier in the day on Sunday, Welling posted a Happy Birthday message to his wife Jessica Rose Lee on Instagram, saying: “Happy Birthday to our Angel who makes our dreams come true and inspires us even more! We love you to the moon and back! @jessicarosewelling #happybirthday #love”
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Welling’s arrest has garnered significant media attention, given his fame from “Smallville” and other roles including “Cheaper by the Dozen” and “Lucifer.”
The general public should realize that over the last several years, law enforcement agencies nationwide have increased their traffic patrols and are on the watch for aggressive drivers and those that have been drinking and driving. Welling’s arraignment date, according to USA Today, is scheduled for March 11.
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A DUI conviction in California can result in a variety of penalties, including jail time, fines, license suspension, and probation. The penalties depend on the number of DUIs the driver has had and whether the DUI caused injury.
Penalties
- Jail time: Up to 16 months in prison. The minimum jail time for a first DUI is 48 hours, and the maximum is 6 months.
- Fines: Up to $20,000 for a first DUI.
- License suspension: Up to four years, or possibly permanent.
- Probation: Three to five years of DUI probation.
- Ignition interlock device: Mandatory installation of a device in your vehicle.
- DUI school: Mandatory attendance at an alcohol awareness class.
- Felony status: A DUI can be charged as a felony if the driver has a prior felony DUI, was involved in a DUI causing injury, or was DUI with a minor in the car.
- The penalties for a DUI are especially strict for drivers under 21 years old.
- A DUI conviction can also have civil consequences.
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Tom Welling got arrested for a DUI yesterday. He made the horrible mistake of driving while drunk. If he had got an uber or had his wife pick him up everything would’ve been fine. Tom I love you but please never do that again. You should know better! pic.twitter.com/caJAep6KWa
— Trista(@Tristaf14) January 29, 2025
Given the severity of the penalties,
“Don’t Drink and Drive” should now be everyone’s mantra.
Video:
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(Tom Welling mugshot, image credit: Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office)
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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