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Stephen Baldwin Calls Arrest a 'Misunderstanding,' Pays $75 Fine

By Irene Plagianos | October 1, 2012 12:51pm

MANHATTAN CRIMINAL COURT — Actor Stephen Baldwin pleaded guilty to operating a vehicle without a license Monday — and paid a $75 fine — after being arrested over the summer for making an illegal U-turn in Harlem with his daughter in the car.

Baldwin, the younger brother of "30 Rock" star Alec Baldwin, called the Aug. 23 arrest "just a misunderstanding."

Baldwin, 46, was stopped by cops after making an illegal U-turn on West 125th street near Lenox Avenue as he was driving his 15-year-old daughter home to Rockland County, N.Y, from ballet practice, he told reporters.

After police discovered he was driving with a suspended license, he was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation and making an illegal U-turn and issued a desk appearance ticket.

On Monday, "The Usual Suspects" star paid a $75 fine for the traffic infraction, which is not a criminal charge.

Richard Southard, Baldwin's lawyer, said the license issue was "all cleared up" - but declined to give any further details.

Baldwin said it was a strange experience for his daughter to watch him get arrested, but that he "didn't mind going through it" and, ultimately, it was a "life lesson for her."

"It was all just a misunderstanding," said Baldwin, a born-again Christian who has been vocal about his conservative religious and political beliefs. "I still think the NYPD are doing a tremendous job."