Country star Darius Rucker pleads no contest to drug-related charge

FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WKRN) — Darius Rucker, the country star and Hootie & the Blowfish front man, pleaded “no contest” to drug-related charges in a Williamson County courtroom Tuesday.

Now, the “Wagon Wheel” singer faces 11 months and 29 days of probation.

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The drug-related charges date back to February 2023. Documents show the 58-year-old was pulled over for an expired license plate, but after a search, Rucker was ultimately charged with two counts simple possession/casual exchange and violation of registration.

He posted his $10,500 bond when arrested.

Tuesday morning, Judge M.T. (Tom) Taylor noted a recommendation from the district attorney to dismiss one count of simple possession and the expired registration, noting Rucker’s good character.

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A statement from Rucker’s representation, Attorneys Mark L. Puryear III and Richard N. Gusler, reads:

On behalf of Darius, we want to thank the Honorable Judge Tom Taylor, and the District Attorney’s office for the time and care taken in considering the details of this case and its final disposition. In addition, we want to thank and commend the members of the Franklin Police Department and the Williamson County Sheriff’s Department for the respectful and professional manner in which they treated Darius during this process. Darius looks forward to working through this probationary period and putting this all behind him.

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