Barton gets charged with only misdemeanors after December arrest for DUI, marijuana

By Stacey Silberman

HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today) 2/26/08 – Former Bebe model and star of hit TV show “The O.C.,” Mischa Barton, is getting a new kind of attention these days, the kind of attention a budding young actress does not want to attract, as she was charged with four misdemeanors Tuesday, related to a December 27^th driving bust.

Barton, 22, was pulled over and arrested by West Hollywood Sheriff’s deputies after they witnessed her erratic driving, in which she floated between two lanes and neglected to signal before a turn on city streets.

At that time, she was found to have at least a 0.08 percent alcohol level, she was in possession of less than an ounce of marijuana and she did all this without a valid driver’s license, according to court documents.

“The D.A.’s office is to be commended for treating this case the same as it would any other matter; Ms. Barton has received no special treatment,” Anthony V. Salerno said. He added, “We are pleased that the District Attorney’s office has very carefully reviewed all the evidence in Ms. Barton’s matter and has chosen to file only misdemeanor charges against her.

Salerno is Barton’s attorney in the case. She is scheduled for arraignment this Thursday in Beverly Hills Superior Court. However, Salerno will appear on his client’s behalf.

Barton later told E!News anchor Seacrest that she took full responsibility for her error in judgment.

“Obviously, I’m 100 percent responsible for my actions in this case, and I’m really disappointed in myself,” Barton said to Seacrest’s KIIS-FM morning audience. “I don’t know what to say about it, except I’m not perfect. I just don’t ever intend to do something this stupid again.”

Barton is best known for stint as Marissa Cooper on “The O.C.,” but has also appeared in several films, including “The Sixth Sense.” Her next film project is “Virgin Territory.”