Country singer Sam Hunt pleads guilty to DUI in Nashville, gets jail time

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — Country singer Sam Hunt has pleaded guilty to driving under the influence in Nashville, Tennessee and was sentenced to jail time.

Hunt pleaded guilty to DUI first offense on Wednesday in connection to his 2019 arrest driving the wrong way down a road.

Judge Amanda McClendon sentenced the musician to 11 months and 29 days in jail – with all time suspended, except for 48 hours. Online records show Hunt was booked into Metro Jail on Friday, Aug. 20.

According to a police affidavit obtained by FOX 17 News, a BOLO alert was put out for a driver traveling south in the northbound lanes of Ellington Parkway.Officers caught up with a vehicle matching the BOLO description as it was turning onto Gallatin Avenue. Police reported the driver had difficulty staying in the lane and crossed the center line several times before a traffic stop was initiated.

Police said the driver had bloodshot watery eyes and smelled of alcohol. The driver had difficulty getting his ID and instead handed over a credit card and passport while his license was on his lap. Police say Hunt was the only person in the vehicle and admitted to consuming alcohol "recently." Hunt consented to a sobriety test, which police said showed numerous signs of impairment. Hunt also consented to a breathalyzer test, which came back a .173, more than twice the legal limit, police reported. The field sobriety test was captured on dashcam video.

After his arrest, Hunt took to Twitter writing, "Wednesday night I decided to drive myself home after drinking at a friend’s show in downtown Nashville. It was a poor and selfish decision and I apologize to everyone who was unknowingly put at risk and let down by it. It won’t happen again."

Hunt was also sentenced to supervised probation and has to complete alcoholic safety courses, a victim impact panel and pay a $350 fine and court costs.

The court says Hunt will lose his driver’s license for a year but may apply for a restricted license.

Hunt is known for songs like "House Party," "Take Your Time" and "Body Like a Back Road," among others.