Former O.C. Star Mischa Barton Charged with DUI

February 27, 2008

(Long Island, N.Y.) Actress Mischa Barton who became famous while portraying a young socialite named Marissa Cooper in the hit TV series The O.C. was charged with misdemeanor counts and possession of an illegal substance after a traffic stop last December 27th, 2007 which yielded drugs and high alcohol levels for the actress.

According to E! news, Barton is facing one count of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. She was also charged with a count for driving while having a blood-alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher, possession of over 28 grams of marijuana and driving without a license. On Jan. 10th, 2008, Barton acknowledged her mistakes and called a radio show to express her apology to the public in saying, “I was pulled over… just that. Obviously, I’m 100% responsible for my actions in this case and I’m really disappointed in myself… I don’t know what to say about it, except that I’m not perfect and I just don’t ever intend to do something this stupid again.”

“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,” said Barton’s attorney, Anthony Salerno in a statement. He also added, “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, and they have done the same diligent review that they do in every case. As previously stated, Ms. Barton has taken full responsibility for any mistakes in judgment that she may have made. We will, of course, conduct a full review of all evidence received from the D.A.’s Office before making any final decisions on the resolution of the legal issues, but we are confident that this matter will be handled by both sides in a professional and respectful manner.”

Born Mischa Anne Marsden Barton in Hammersmith, London on January 24th, 1986, the 22 year old actress started her Hollywood career at the tender age of 9 co-starring in an Off Broadway premiere of Slavs. She also appeared in the soap opera ‘All My Children’ in 1996 portraying the role of young Lily Montgomery.

Posted by News LI Editor · Edited by Brianna - Filed Under Entertainment