Singer Rutulis to Face Trial for Drunk Driving Crash; Prosecutor Seeks Real Prison Time
Singer Normunds Rutulis will stand trial at Riga City Court on February 3, 2025 at 1 PM for driving with 2 promille alcohol and causing a collision. The prosecution offered a real prison sentence, but no plea deal was reached, so the case proceeds to court.
The Riga City Court will begin hearing a criminal case against singer Normunds Rutulis on February 3, 2025 at 1 PM. He is charged with driving under the influence of alcohol (2 promille) and causing a traffic accident.
According to the prosecution, on the evening of March 14, 2026, Rutulis was driving a "Cupra Formentor" in Riga with a blood alcohol content of 2 promille. He drove into the oncoming lane and collided with a "Mercedes Benz".
The accused fully admits his guilt and regrets the incident. However, the prosecution could not reach an agreement with him on the type and severity of punishment. The prosecutor offered a real prison sentence, but the specific term was not disclosed. Since no agreement was reached, the case has been sent to court under the general procedure.
Under the Criminal Law, such an offense carries a penalty of up to one year in prison or probation supervision, along with a five-year driving ban. Additionally, the vehicle used in the crime is confiscated, or its value is recovered from the offender. An administrative proceeding has also been initiated for the accident itself.
Most such cases are concluded at the prosecutor's office with a plea agreement, but in this instance the parties could not agree. The court hearing is scheduled for February 3, 2025 at 1:00 PM.
