Tuesday, 18 November 2008

Heather Locklear formally charged with DUI

Actress could face up to six months in jail

Heather Locklear divorced rocker Ritchie Sambora in 2007

Heather Locklear has been formally charged with driving under the influence of drugs in connection with her September arrest, the Santa Barbara, Calif., District Attorney's Office said Monday.

The misdemeanor charge filed by the DA's office specifies that the drugs in question were "prescription medications." If convicted, the actress, 47, faces penalties ranging from a fine to up to six months in county jail.

An arraignment was set for Jan. 26 in Santa Barbara Superior Court.

"Lab tests showed she had no alcohol in her system and no illegal narcotics of any kind," says Senior Deputy District Attorney Lee Carter, who declined to comment on what medications – or the amounts – Locklear had taken.

"We believe that the prescriptions she was taking could have impaired her ability to drive a motor vehicle safely," says Carter.

Locklear was originally booked on charges of driving under the influence of drugs and being under the influence of a controlled substance. The latter charge was not filed because, says Carter, "There were no illegal substances in her system."

In addition, felony charges for Locklear "were not a possibility," because DUI cases with no injuries are always misdemeanors, he said.

A Paparazzo Tip
The former Melrose Place star was arrested Sept. 27 in Montecito after an eyewitness – who turned out to be a paparazzo – called 911, saying Locklear was "driving erratically."

In July, Locklear completed four weeks of treatment for anxiety and depression.

Locklear's attorney and publicist both declined comment.