Artie Lange Sentenced to 4 Years Probation, Outpatient Rehab In Heroin & Cocaine Case
June 1 2018, Updated 2:06 p.m. ET
Artie Lange will not be heading to prison after all!
Breaking Celebrity News can exclusively report that the troubled comedian was sentenced to four years of probation, 50 hours of community service and an outpatient rehab program in his heroin and cocaine possession case.
Howard Stern’s former sidekick appeared in New Jersey court on Friday morning, June 1, wearing baggy blue jeans, white sneakers and a grey jacket. He appeared “very animated” and smiled when he learned his fate.
“I feel good about getting another chance,” he told Breaking Celebrity News exclusively in court.
Before the judge announced the sentence, Lange's lawyer Frank Arleo pleaded for his client to avoid time behind bars.
"He has many jobs, he works many, many hours. He supports his mother. He supports many family members and he engages in many charitable events," the attorney told the court. "Also judge, he has a diabetes problem and blood pressure problem. We request he be given probation with the condition that he attend an outpatient program. He knows that if he does not comply with whatever court puts on him as the condition of the probation, then your Honor, the court will put him in jail. He does not want that."
"He has a long life problem, but has indicated that he is going to do his best to try and get himself clean."
“I apologize for wasting everybody’s time, and your time your Honor," Lange addressed the court. "Obviously I’m happiest when I work. I support my mom. I do a lot of good. But I do have an issue, and I'm trying to take care of it. I do best served doing something outside. And whatever you ask me to do, I’ll respectfully do.”
Judge Nancy Sivilli appeared sympathetic when Lange said he supported his elderly mother, and later delivered a merciful sentence.
As Breaking Celebrity News previously reported, the 50-year-old comic was expecting to avoid prison time after making a deal with prosecutors.
After years of struggling with drugs and health problems, the star is focused on his wellness and sobriety after his latest rehab stint, a source told Breaking Celebrity News at the time.
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