Pitbull’s claims that he was “erroneously arrested” in December of 2007 on DUI charges have been validated, as the rapper was found not guilty of DUI charges today (July 9).
“I had my day in court and justice was served. All my life I have fought for everything I have achieved and we fought this accusation to the end,” Pitbull told AllHipHop.com. “I want to thank my attorneys Jim Best and Joseph Vredevelt; and all the fans; and, most of important of all, I thank God for letting justice prevail.”
The rapper went on trial yesterday (July 8) for an incident in 2007, when he was arrested for traveling 93 MPH on the Palmetto Expressway.
The police report claimed Pitbull, born Armando Perez, failed a number of field sobriety tests, after officers smelled alcohol on his breath.
The Cuban-American rapper took the stand and told the jurors that he was targeted because he is a celebrity, despite the fact that the arresting officer clocked him traveling at 93 MPH.
The arresting officer claimed that Pitbull refused to exit his Mercedes-Benz and when he finally did, he failed field sobriety tests.
Pitbull had refused to take a “Breathalyzer” test and according to testimony, the incident was not caught on the arresting officers dash board camera.
After three hours of deliberating, jurors found Pitbull not guilty.
Pitbull’s attorneys James “Jim” Best and Joseph Vredevelt of Best and Associates were pleased with the not guilty verdict.
“It is a vindication for Mr. Perez who has contested these allegations for the past two years,” Vredevelt and Best said in a joint statement released to AllHipHop.com. “Justice truly was done in this case and we thank the jurors for their time and the people of Miami for their support of Mr. Perez during this trial.”
Pitbull’s latest single “I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho” is #17 on Billboard’s Hot Digital Tracks chart.