Actress Heather Locklear has been formally charged with driving under the influence in connection with her arrest in September, according to the Santa Barbara, California District Attorney’s Office.
The misdemeanor charge specifies that she was under the influence of “prescription medications.” If she is convicted, the 47-year-old former “Melrose Place” star could face penalties ranging from a fine to six months in prison.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Lee Carter confirmed that none of the drugs were illegal, but declined to specify the medications or amounts taken by Locklear. But he did say that the drugs impaired her driving ability.
Initially, Locklear was charged with driving under the influence of drugs and being under the influence of a controlled substance, but the latter charge was not filed because she had no illegal substances in her system, according to Carter.
On September 27, Locklear was arrested in Montecito after an eyewitness, who turned out to be a paparazzo, contacted 911 and informed them of Locklear driving erratically.