Smoking in Burbank: Ignorance of the Law IS an Excuse

Burbank's ban on smoking on downtown sidewalks has caused quite a stir. But never fear, it turns out ignorance of the law is an excuse, at least if you are an up-and-coming celebrity. Shia LaBeouf's misdemeanor charge of unlawful smoking was dismissed Thursday on the basis of the "That's illegal? Really?" defense.

LaBeouf's charge stems from a cigarette-related incident last February. According to the Associated Press, a judge issued a warrant for his arrest when the Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull star did not appear for his hearing. The following day, LaBeouf pleaded not guilty to the charge and the bench warrant was dismissed.

Attorney Michael Norris narrates to E! News, "We had a very productive discussion this morning with the city attorney's office regarding Shia's case, and they were agreeable to dismissing all the charges against Shia. He did not have to pay a fine."

He does, however, have to pay $500 in court costs.
-AHN

Ummm, the fine is only $200. It must be the principle of the thing.

In November of last year, LaBeouf was charged with misdemeanor trespassing in Chicago for refusing to leave a Walgreen's store while allegedly inebriated. That charge was dropped on the basis of the "God, I'm so embarassed" defense.

Photo courtesy of The Evil Beet blog