Joe Simpson DUI Charges Made, Faces Jail Time
Joe Simpson, father and manager of famed singer and actress Jessica Simpson, has been formally charged for his recent DUI and new reports suggest that he is now facing up to six months behind bars.
The Los Angeles City Attorney reportedly charged Simpson, 54, with two misdemeanor counts of driving under the influence following his August 4 arrest. Both charges carry a maximum sentence of six months in jail and if he is convicted on all charges he could receive up to 36 months probation and a $1,000 fine, according to TMZ.com.
The former youth minister was stopped by police on Ventura Blvd. in Sherman Oaks on Aug. 4, where he was arrested for being intoxicated and taken into police custody. It is claimed that Simpson was driving with a .12 blood alcohol level.
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Simpson is believed to have spent the night behind bars before being released without bail the following day. He is expected to appear before a judge at the end of August.
Simpson, who once worked at Heights Baptist church in Texas, has previously faced criticisms for his management style over his two daughters Jessica and Ashlee.
After leaving his position at the church to pursue showbiz careers for his daughters and after once making public statements regarding Jessica's breast size, critics began accusing Simpson of turning her into a sex symbol. They also pointed out his failing to uphold his Christian values, he says.
"I was accused, [because of] my background in the ministry, you know 'your daughter doesn't love God anymore,' 'you've forsaken the church' and I'm like, you don't even know me or know my family," Simpson told ABC's "20/20" in a 2004 interview.
The grandfather helped Jessica, 31, establish her singing career at a young age and even contacted MTV about producing her reality TV show "Newlyweds," which documented her marriage to her now ex-husband Nick Lachey. Fans criticized him for allegedly exploiting his eldest daughter, which led to accusations of him being unchristian.
