David Cassidy pleads not guilty to DUI

Onetime teen idol David Cassidy entered a not-guilty plea in writing Tuesday in a Florida court, a day after the Florida Highway Patrol released video of the former "Partridge Family" star failing a field sobriety test.

Cassidy, whose next court date was set for Jan. 18, did not appear in person, E! News reports. The 1970s heartthrob was pulled over around 6 p.m. on Nov. 3 after he was observed weaving and making an erratic lane change in his Mercedes, according to an FHP report.

In Breathalyzer tests given around 8:30 p.m., Cassidy logged .141 and .139 blood-alcohol levels, police said. The singer, who said he was tired after attending an early-morning funeral, said he'd had a glass of wine at lunch and a hydrocodone pill for back pain around 3:30 p.m., but denied being intoxicated. Police also said they found an open, half-full bottle of bourbon in the car's back seat.

TMZ has video of the sobriety test, in which Cassidy can be heard mentioning an eye that wanders when he's tired, and appears to have a unique interpretation of the officer's instructions in the touch-your-nose exercise. 

Cassidy faces a maximum $1,000 fine and six months behind bars if convicted on misdemeanor charges of DUI, failure to maintain a single lane and driving with an open container.

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-- Christie D'Zurilla

Photo: A booking shot of David Cassidy after his Nov. 3 arrest on suspicion of DUI in Florida. Credit: Florida Highway Patrol / Associated Press

Comments

[CARLENE JAMES]

It's a shame to see this man in this state. When will people learn to pull over and rent a hotel room if they've been drinking and driving.

[Dancingbear]

J-Bieber take a good look...you're next...

[Maddowfan]

Please, not guilty-whatever-he argued with the Troopers the entire time and wasn't listening. It was apparent with his cognitive skills he was impaired. Here is the deal, he is arrogrant, false pride and thinks he is above the law and will get by with this. I was a huge fan for years until I witnessed his behavior to fans and the last concert in New York was it for me.