Listen, folks: I’m not one to glamorize crime, nor do I usually excuse anyone for breaking the law. But I will admit that it’s intriguing when celebrities have to show off their front and side to a police camera. (If it wasn’t, how would tabloids still exist?)

Though their history of law-breaking may have little effect on their lives today (I seriously doubt that David Bowie‘s 1976 arrest for marijuana keeps him awake at night), here are nine mugshots of celebrities who did some time. (You may be surprised by who is in here…Bill Gates, anyone?)

I’m sure that Janis Joplin wasn’t thrilled to be arrested for disorderly conduct after yelling at a police officer. Nonetheless, everything about her photos look, well, artsy. I actually forgot the whole “mugshot gallery” thing for a moment, and thought this was some obscure album cover at first glance. I guess if you have to go to jail, you may as well look cool doing it. Head on over to the source for even more photos! [via Retronaut]

Which of these mugshots is most interesting?