Socialite Paris Hilton who was arrested for ‘driving erratically’ last year on 7th September, pleaded not guilty to drunk-driving charges Tuesday in Los Angeles.
A breathalyser test found her blood alcohol level to be 0.08, the minimum required for an arrest in California.
Hotel heiress Hilton was not needed to appear in court because the charges are misdemeanors, and her attorney made an appearance on her behalf.
The judge said the case must go to trial by February 23.
If convicted, Hilton could face six months in jail and a maximum fine of $1,000. The minimum penalty for a first-time offender is a fine, probation and participation in an alcohol rehabilitation programme.
Hilton was arrested by police in September for driving erratically and told officers at the time that she had one drink on an empty stomach and was on her way to get a hamburger at a nearby fast-food restaurant.
Hilton’s Simple Life co-star Nicole Richie is also dealing with DUI charge. Though Nicole was not drunk but she admitted that she had taken Vicodin and smoked pot.
