Nickelback singer plans to fight impaired charge

Nickelback lead singer ChadKroeger intends to plead not guilty to an impaired driving charge laid after he was pulled over bySurrey RCMP two months ago, the lawyer for the rock star says.

"We're in a position where we're going to fight the charges andcontest the charges, and his position and our position is clear that he did not commit the offence," said Marvin Stern.

Police saidthey stoppedKroeger's car because they were suspicious of the way the vehicle was being driven.

The 31-year-old singer, whose real name is Chad Turton, was supposed to appear in Surrey provincial court on Friday, but Stern appeared on his behalf.

The lawyer said the past two months have been hard on Kroeger, who has a home in nearby Abbotsford.

"Like anyone, he's not happy to be in this position. He doesn't feel proud of being in this position, and it's not something that is part of his character or his nature," said Stern.

"Chad Kroeger does not condone drinking and driving, and that message he wanted me to impart to you very clearly."

Representatives from Mothers Against Drunk Driving, who were also at the courthouse Friday, told reportersthat celebrities should be careful about their behaviour, because they are role models for young people.

The case is scheduled to be back in court next month.

The members of Nickelback are originally from Hanna, Alta., but moved to Vancouver in the 1990s to launch their careers. The band has had a series of chart-toppers, including 2001's How You Remind Me.

The bandis currently on tour in Texas.