Nick Hogan Arrested for Critical Crash

[magenta]

Florida police have finally put the brakes on Nick Hogan.

The 17-year-old Hogan Knows Best star, who appeared on the reality show with his wrestling superstar father, Hulk Hogan, has been arrested on several criminal charges, including third-degree felony reckless driving involving serious bodily injury, stemming from an August car crash that left his passenger in critical condition.

Police also cited the younger Hogan, whose real name is Nick Bollea, for use of a motor vehicle in commission of a felony, being under the age of 21 and operating a vehicle with a breath-alcohol level of 0.02 percent or higher and illegal window tint.

Hogan turned himself in to authorities at 9:48 a.m. Wednesday, hours after Clearwater Police issued a warrant for his arrest upon the completion of a "extensive investigation" into the wreck by a team of four officers. He is currently being booked on the charges at the Pinellas County Jail.

Daniel Jacobs, the 22-year-old driver of a second car, which investigators have concluded was racing Hogan's at the time of the crash, is also being issued a summons to appear in court for reckless driving.

"Nick and the entire 'Hogan' Bollea family are saddened that criminal charges have been filed in regards to the tragic single car accident on August 26, 2007," the family said in a statement. "Nick will meet and answer these charges in the appropriate arena—a court of law."

Despite being a minor at the time of the accident in Clearwater, Florida, Hogan will be tried on the charge as an adult.

Hogan's passenger, 22-year-old John Graziano, a Marine who had just completed a tour of duty in Iraq, remains hospitalized, reportedly in a coma. Graziano, who wasn't wearing a seatbelt, may also have suffered brain damage stemming from swelling of his brain.

"The family's primary focus and concern still remains for the continued recovery of Nick's longtime friend John Graziano," they said. "The Bolleas will also continue to stand by the Graziano family and help them in any way they can."

Hogan himself sustained minor injuries from the smashup, including a broken arm and ribs and neck and knee damage. He was treated and released from the hospital the morning after the accident.

The crash took place when Hogan's yellow Toyota Supra sports car careened off a four-lane highway in downtown Clearwater, crashing into a 25-foot-tall palm tree. Investigators determined that Hogan was driving above 60 mph in the 40-mph zone, and also said that wet roads may have contributed to the magnitude of the crash. The Hogan family acknowledges that the recent rainfall made for particularly dangerous driving conditions, but denies that the accident was triggered by excessive speeds, despite police evidence to the contrary.

"There has been much speculation as to the wet road conditions surrounding this accident. Although the evidence has not been evaluated, preliminary reports from the experts indicate that this was not, in fact, a high-speed accident."

While the Hogans hope Nick will be cleared, they are eager to make something positive of the tragedy, using the event to educate others on the importance of vehicle safety.

"The tragedy to both families is compounded by the fact that unfortunately John was not wearing his seatbelt. Thankfully, Nick was wearing his. Because of what happened to John, the entire Bollea family will make it a priority to increase public awareness about the importance of always wearing your seatbelt."

http://www.eonline.com/news/article/index.jsp?uuid=898134cd-e9b5-4744-93a3-456bdc4d666a&entry=index&sid=rss_topstories&utm_source=eonline&utm_medium=rssfeeds&utm_campaign=rss_topstories


I for one am glad he is being charged and as an adult. I hope he does serious jail time and his daddy doesn't buy his way out of it.

[freeby4me]

I like watching the show but I always figured that kid would get in alot of trouble, he just seemed like "daddy's money will get me out of it" kind of guy so I too am glad about the charges.

I didnt realize the other guy was still in a coma though, thats really sad.

[gmyers]

Thats not good that he's still in a coma. I hope he comes out of it and isn't brain damaged.

[dv8grl]

GOOD! Its horrible what happened to the passenger.

[Shann]

how sad, I'm glad Nick is being charged, it makes me sick to see all the "celebrities" getting out of trouble b/c of who they are/know. That's real sad about his passenger, but once again, why the hell was he not wearing a seatbelt? i wish the idiots that decide to drive recklessly would realize they are not the only one they're putting in harms way. :(

[ladybugva]

UDPATE:

CLEARWATER, Fla. - A judge in Florida says the 17-year-old son of wrestler Hulk Hogan should serve eight months in jail for reckless driving. Nick Bollea was led off to begin his sentence immediately after Friday's ruling. He will be on five years' probation and lose his driving privileges for three years.

Authorities say Bollea was racing a friend in his father's sports car when he clipped a curb, spun out of control and slammed into a palm tree in downtown Clearwater, Florida, last August.

The impact left his friend critically injured and in need of lifetime medical care.

Bollea pleaded no contest to the reckless driving charge.

[freeby4me]

UDPATE:

CLEARWATER, Fla. - A judge in Florida says the 17-year-old son of wrestler Hulk Hogan should serve eight months in jail for reckless driving. Nick Bollea was led off to begin his sentence immediately after Friday's ruling. He will be on five years' probation and lose his driving privileges for three years.

Authorities say Bollea was racing a friend in his father's sports car when he clipped a curb, spun out of control and slammed into a palm tree in downtown Clearwater, Florida, last August.

The impact left his friend critically injured and in need of lifetime medical care.

Bollea pleaded no contest to the reckless driving charge.

Excellent. This is most definately is what he deserves.

[dv8grl]

Excellent. This is most definately is what he deserves.

You got that right! I just wonder if he'll actually serve the 8 months.



I also believe the conspiracty theories about the Hulks divorce, saying that its just a way for them to switch around money & hide it for the up-coming Civil Suit against Nick.

[galeane29]

I seriously doubt he will spend the entire 8 months in jail.
The celebs always seem to get off easy some how. They
probably pay their way out of it.

[buglebe]

I don't watch this show and I don't know who the kid is at all. But the one who is hurt was willingly in the car and did have his seat belt off. This is crazy and I think he has to accept some responsibility for his accident. When my son went out with his friends I always felt if one of them was injured that they would all be to blame. Now if one of them had been saying stop or let me out or what ever that would be different. But, as I watched my son grow up, I felt they were all responsible. When he was of drinking age, I would say who is the designated driver. I remember myself getting in cars with people who had been drinking, no I wouldn't now, but I do feel , if a person willingly gets in a car with a drinker or in this case with a speeder, he knows what he is getting into and should accept part of the blame. Yes I think the kid should go to jail for speeding or breaking the law or what ever but not because his friend was injured. My opinion seems to be different from everyone elses.

[PrincessArky]

with any luck he will have to serve his time and this will be the thing that turns him into an adult so that he never does anything THIS stupid again

[hblueeyes]

I like the Hogans. They may indulge their children but I would too if I had the money. These are well adjusted kids. They are not like most celebs like Lohan and Spears. I believe he will serve 1/3 of his sentence as any person would. His passenger was older and needs to take some responsibilty like the Op mentioned. So what if they are trying to hide funds, most of us would. But I also believe that they are also doing what they can for the other family which is fair. I saw a snippet of the son apologiing to the family and I believe him to be sincere. He stepped up and I am sure he will never repeat this mistake. The family is taking this seriously unlike Halle Barry, Lindsay Lohan, paris Hilton etc, who let lawyers and $$$$ get them off.

Me

[YankeeMary]

I don't watch this show and I don't know who the kid is at all. But the one who is hurt was willingly in the car and did have his seat belt off. This is crazy and I think he has to accept some responsibility for his accident. When my son went out with his friends I always felt if one of them was injured that they would all be to blame. Now if one of them had been saying stop or let me out or what ever that would be different. But, as I watched my son grow up, I felt they were all responsible. When he was of drinking age, I would say who is the designated driver. I remember myself getting in cars with people who had been drinking, no I wouldn't now, but I do feel , if a person willingly gets in a car with a drinker or in this case with a speeder, he knows what he is getting into and should accept part of the blame. Yes I think the kid should go to jail for speeding or breaking the law or what ever but not because his friend was injured. My opinion seems to be different from everyone elses.

We share the same opinion. I agree that the passenger should have had his seatbelt on. If he did possibly he wouldn't have been injured as bad. It was his responsiblity to buckle up. He didn't, why should the driver pay for that?

[YankeeMary]

I like the Hogans. They may indulge their children but I would too if I had the money. These are well adjusted kids. They are not like most celebs like Lohan and Spears. I believe he will serve 1/3 of his sentence as any person would. His passenger was older and needs to take some responsibilty like the Op mentioned. So what if they are trying to hide funds, most of us would. But I also believe that they are also doing what they can for the other family which is fair. I saw a snippet of the son apologiing to the family and I believe him to be sincere. He stepped up and I am sure he will never repeat this mistake. The family is taking this seriously unlike Halle Barry, Lindsay Lohan, paris Hilton etc, who let lawyers and $$$$ get them off.

Me

I agree with what you are saying as well. If I had the money, I also would OVER indulge my kids.

[flute]

I don't watch this show and I don't know who the kid is at all. But the one who is hurt was willingly in the car and did have his seat belt off. This is crazy and I think he has to accept some responsibility for his accident.

Well I don't know about everybody else's car but if I'm the driver I do not drive unless all have their seat belts on - hubby & I do automatically but I"ve waited on mom a time or 2 to put on her seat belt~

[freeby4me]

Just remember one thing ya'll, if you get pulled over and the passenger doesnt have the seatbelt on, its the driver who gets the ticket.

This "accident" would not have happened had he not been drag-racing on a city street. Given his profession, he surely knew better.
Dont get me wrong, I like the Hogans too, but this is exactly what Nick deserved.

[ladybugva]

Here is some detailed info on the court hearing

Nick Bollea, Hulk Hogan's son, had a date at the Pinellas County courtroom
today along with his father, mom Linda and sister Brooke to face the felony
charge of reckless driving involving serious bodily injury. Nick pleaded no
contest to the charges and the State said that the Graziano family is asking
for a year's jail sentence. Nick's attorney, Kevin Hayslett, agreed to a one
year deal with probation up to five years after he discussed it with his
client and parents. It was then asked if Nick could do probation in the
state of California instead of Florida and the Judge didn't have any problem
with that. The Judge explained to Nick that agreeing to the no contest plea
it waives any rights for a trial and he would be sentenced today to which
Nick agrees.

Pinellas County Assistant State's Attorney Scott Rosenwasser then proceeded
for his talk and showed the Judge a video as well a photos from the crash.
Ed Graziano, the father of the victim, talked afterwards, listing his son's
medals and accomplishments he received as a United States Marine. He said
the crash is all because of the "reckless and senseless act of Nick Bollea,"
and added that "What Al Qaeda didn't do to my son, Nick Bollea did it in a
matter of minutes," referring his son's trips to Iraq. John Graziano's
sister addressed the court and was an emotional wreck during her speech. She said Nick never said sorry for what he did and there's no punishment that is enough. John's girlfriend Ashley was up next and just like his sister cried
throughout her speech, holding her head down while reading her letter to the
court. She slammed Nick for drinking while being underage and for his
horrible driving history and said that "he should never be allowed to drive
again." John's mom took the stand and seemed the most calm out of the bunch.
She said that Nick should be sentenced at least six months to one year in
jail, five years probation, no alcohol during the five years and must
complete the probation in full. "I'm not seeking revenge, only justice," she
said.

Hulk Hogan took the stand after a short note by Nick's legal team. Hulk said
that John was a part of their family and they took him to several family
trips and helped him when he had problems with his father. Hulk explained
how the day before he went to Iraq he spent his time with the Hogan family
and when he was in Iraq he called and wrote several times, asking for
protein and power bars. Hulk said that Nick was poorly portrayed by the
media because of his on air persona and said that their show wasn't reality
TV but it was scripted and Nick did whatever the producers asked him to do.
After regaining his composure, Hulk pleaded the Judge not to have his son a
convicted felon and while he's certainly not asking for any preference, he's
doesn't want his son to be harshly penalized because of who his father is.

[ladybugva]

inda Bollea was next saying the accident was heart breaking for both
families and went over the fact again that John was like family. "I know my
son never meant to hurt his best friend," Linda said while crying. She added
that Nick will live with this for the rest of his life no matter what the
sentence will be. A letter from Nick's grandfather - Linda's dad - was then
read out.

Sean Schumura, who runs a charity, took over and said that Nick has been
working for the National Wave charity for several months now and turned over
his $150 per day pay back to the charity. He said that Nick would be more
helpful if he's still allowed to donate his time and services to the charity
rather than being locked up.

Nick Bollea took the stand next, saying that he misses being around John
every single day that goes by. He understands the pain that he caused to
both families and feels terrible about it and apologized for his actions. He
said no matter what anyone says about him, he thinks of John and the
accident everyday. Nick then turned around facing the Graziano family and
apologized for what he did and said that he will never be able to say sorry
enough. Nick said that since the accident he hasn't driven yet and mentioned
his work at the charity.
Brooke was next to talk and said that she's here to defend both her brothers
- her biological one, Nick, and John. Brooke - who cried during her speech -
told the Judge how John was like a brother and her best friend who protected
her when needed. She said that both families went from best friends to
enemies.

After closing arguments by both the attorney and the Assistant State's
Attorney, the Judge took over for sentencing. "There's no magic answer, no
perfect way to do it," explained Judge Philip Federico. At the end of his
speech, the Judge withhold adjudication but sentenced Nick - who sported a
stone cold face - to 8 months in prison at the Pinellas County jail, five
years probation, 500 hours community service, three years driving license
suspension, no alcohol for five years, DUI school and nearly $7,000 in
fines. He said there are 30 days to appeal the decision and Nick would be
taken to jail starting from that very moment. Interesting to note is that
Hulk and Linda didn't sit next to each other with Linda's mom and Brooke
sitting next to Hulk and Linda on the other end of the bench. After the
trial was over, Hulk stood there staring while Linda walked by in front
without even looking at him. TMZ.COM carried the live feed of the court case

[sunflowers]

I watched the court hearings on TV it was live (3hrs).
The sad thing it took an accident for Nick to learn a lesson. He had countless speading tickets, driving infractions w/ in the past year.One after another yet he continued to do them again and again.

This time it cost his friend his life(so speaking)!
I dont think 8 months was long enough, he deserved more!
The judge said he felt he was sorry, yet it was not an accident!
So he took the middle of what the injured family wanted. The dad wanted a year, the mom 6m.
Nick got 8.

[LuvBigRip]

CLEARWATER, Fla. — The 18-year-old son of Hulk Hogan has been released from jail in Florida after serving five months for causing a serious traffic crash.

Nick Bollea was released from the Pinellas County Jail on Tuesday morning. He had pleaded no contest in May to causing the crash.

Bollea was arrested last year after authorities say he sped on a busy street and crashed his father's car, leaving a friend and former Marine permanently disabled.

Bollea could have faced five years in prison, but the victim's family requested a lesser sentence.

Bollea's mother, Linda, released a statement Tuesday asking for privacy. She says Nick went into prison as a juvenile and has experienced something that will mold and affect him for the rest of his adult life.

http://www.foxnews.com/wires/2008Oct21/0,4670,HoganSonCrash,00.html

[gmyers]

Five months isn't much for a persons life that is ruined in myopinion. If it was the other way around and it was Hulk Hogans son who was injured I wonder what they would have asked the judge to sentence the person that hurt their son with. I bet more than five months.

[dv8grl]

Five months isn't much for a persons life that is ruined in myopinion. If it was the other way around and it was Hulk Hogans son who was injured I wonder what they would have asked the judge to sentence the person that hurt their son with. I bet more than five months.

ITA! I doubt Nick learned anything fro what little time he was in jail.. not PRISON (totally different places).
Who wants to bet when his next ticket for reckless driving / speeding, etc...? I couldn't even look at the pics of his friend in the hospital., I wonder if anyone from the Hogan family can look at those pics?