Morgan Wallen sentenced to DUI classes and two years probation for throwing chair off Nashville rooftop

Morgan Wallen has been sentenced to DUI education classes and two years of probation after pleading guilty to two misdemeanor counts of reckless endangerment stemming from an April incident in which he threw a chair off the rooftop of a Nashville bar. Court documents show that Wallen’s plea was made under a deferral, meaning the charges could be expunged upon successful completion of his probation and sentence.

Wallen’s attorney, Worrick Robinson, IV, explained in a statement that the country singer appeared at a Davidson County courthouse where he entered a conditional plea under Tennessee’s Diversion Statute, which allows individuals to avoid a conviction if they meet certain requirements. As part of the plea agreement with the District Attorney’s Office, Wallen is required to attend a DUI Education Center for seven days, be on probation for two years, pay a $350 fine, and cover court fees. Upon fulfilling the conditions of his probation, including good behavior during this period, the charges will be eligible for dismissal and expungement.

In the statement, Robinson emphasized Wallen’s cooperation throughout the legal process. “Mr. Wallen has cooperated fully with authorities throughout these last eight months, directly communicating and apologizing to all involved,” Robinson said. “Mr. Wallen remains committed to making a positive impact through his music and foundation.”

During the court proceedings, a third count of reckless endangerment and one charge of disorderly conduct were dropped. Wallen had been arrested earlier in April on three felony counts of reckless endangerment and one misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct after he threw a chair from the rooftop of Chief’s Bar, a popular restaurant and bar in Nashville.

According to the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department’s statement, officers were standing outside the bar when a chair suddenly fell from above, landing near them. Employees of the bar informed the police that Wallen had thrown the chair from the top floor of the six-story building. Surveillance footage from the rooftop also showed Wallen lunging and throwing an object over the edge. Witnesses who saw the incident unfold later told authorities that they had seen Wallen laughing after throwing the chair.

Wallen’s bond was set at $15,250, and his attorney confirmed at the time that Wallen was cooperating fully with law enforcement. The incident sparked controversy due to the apparent recklessness of Wallen’s actions, especially considering the close proximity of the police officers standing below.

This legal issue is the latest in a series of controversies that have surrounded Wallen in recent years. The Grammy-nominated singer, who is best known for his hit country songs, faced significant backlash in 2021 after he was caught on camera using a racial slur. As a result, his record label temporarily suspended his contract, and many radio stations stopped playing his music. Wallen later issued a public apology for his actions, and he has worked to rebuild his image and career.

Despite the controversies, Wallen has remained a dominant figure in country music. He has had three songs that reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and he was recently named the 2024 Artist of the Year at the CMA Awards, further cementing his place in the music industry.

Wallen’s sentence comes after months of legal proceedings, and it is seen as part of his efforts to move forward from the incident. The completion of his probation, along with his commitment to positive actions, may help him put this chapter of his life behind him and continue his career in the country music scene. With his career continuing to thrive, Wallen’s focus now seems to be on making amends and maintaining his success in the industry.

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