Has Josh Owens Ever Been Arrested? The Untamed Yet Law-Abiding Star of Moonshiners

From dirt bike champion to backwoods distiller, Josh Owens walks the line between outlaw legacy and lawful living.

A Fan Favorite with a Wild Edge

Josh Owens, the rugged motocross champion turned moonshine distiller, has become one of the most recognizable faces on Discovery Channel’s Moonshiners. Known for his fearless approach to distilling, dangerous lifestyle, and loyalty to Appalachian heritage, fans often ask one burning question: Has Josh Owens ever been arrested?

Surprisingly, the answer is no.

Despite dramatic scenes involving helicopters, hidden stills, and law enforcement close calls, Owens has never faced legal charges. While many of his fellow Moonshiners castmates have had run-ins with the law, Owens has consistently avoided arrest. His story, however, is far from tame.

From High-Speed Racing to High-Proof Liquor

Before joining the cast of Moonshiners, Owens had another life—on the racetrack. A professional motocross racer, he won the North Carolina State Championship in 2003 and 2004. Known for his speed and daring nature, racing injuries eventually forced Owens to seek a new path.

That path led him to moonshining, thanks to the mentorship of the late Bonnie Bonwell—a respected figure in the craft. After Bonwell passed away, Owens and his friend Bill Canny completed an underground still in his honor, paving their way to the Moonshiners spotlight.

Legal Gray Areas: The Reality Behind the Show

While Moonshiners thrives on the tension of “will they or won’t they get caught,” most of the distilling scenes are filmed under legal supervision. The show walks a careful line between storytelling and legality, with permits and permissions often in place for what’s seen on camera.

Owens is no exception. He’s media-savvy, fully aware of federal laws surrounding distillation. He’s also deeply respectful of the tradition, never treating moonshining as a reckless stunt. That combination of awareness and respect helps keep his record clean.

Others Got Caught—He Didn’t

Unlike Owens, some cast members have faced serious legal trouble. Steven Ray Tickle, for instance, has been arrested multiple times for offenses ranging from public intoxication to illegal firearm possession. And the late Marvin “Popcorn” Sutton, a moonshine legend, was convicted before tragically taking his own life.

Owens, however, has stayed grounded—both legally and morally.

Brushes with Fire, Not the Law

Although Owens has dodged legal drama, he hasn’t escaped danger. In 2017, a fire destroyed his trailer and many of his belongings after he returned from the Sturgis motorcycle rally. Then in Moonshiners Season 11, a maple sap distillation project went up in flames, burning down his house.

Still, none of these incidents involved law enforcement—just the perils of living a risky, off-the-grid life.

The Daytona Crash That Nearly Ended It All

The biggest test of Owens’s resilience came on March 4, 2023. While racing at the Daytona International Speedway, he lost control of his motorcycle at over 80 mph and slammed into a barrier. The crash left him with a broken neck, ribs, and back, along with a punctured lung and torn rotator cuff.

He was placed in a medically induced coma for ten days.

Yet somehow, Owens fought back. By Season 13 of Moonshiners, he returned—first in a wheelchair, then back on his feet in Season 14, continuing his moonshining journey with unwavering grit.

The Man Behind the Moonshine

Despite his fame, Owens remains deeply connected to fans, regularly posting updates on Facebook and Instagram. Whether he’s showing off a new still, recovering from surgery, or greeting fans at bike rallies, he remains approachable and real.

More than just a television personality, Owens has become a symbol of Appalachian pride and perseverance.

Why Hasn’t He Been Arrested?

Several factors help explain why Owens has avoided legal trouble:

• Understanding the Law: Owens distills with care, ensuring he operates within legal guidelines when on camera.

• Respect for the Craft: His mentor taught him to honor the heritage, not exploit it.

• Media Awareness: Owens knows he’s a public figure and acts accordingly.

• A Clean Record: No history of violence, substance abuse, or criminal intent.

Final Verdict: A Law-Abiding Legend

So, has Josh Owens ever been arrested? No, he hasn’t. And in a world where breaking the rules often earns attention, Owens stands out as a rebel who refuses to lose control. His life is a paradox: a law-abiding outlaw, a thrill-seeker with discipline, a backwoods hero with a loyal fanbase.

As he continues to recover and push forward, fans can expect more wild rides, more distilling adventures, and the same unwavering spirit that’s made Josh Owens a Moonshiners icon.