Actress May Give Talks as Penalty for DUI Arrest

Television actress Shannen Doherty will avoid jail time for a December drunk-driving arrest if she performs community service by lecturing teenagers about the dangers of driving while intoxicated.

Doherty was ordered to serve 48 hours in jail or participate in six days of a work-release program, which includes projects such as picking up trash along the freeway. But Doherty can put off both those punishments if she agrees to appear at Mothers Against Drunk Driving events and speak to young people at the Thousand Oaks Teen Center.

A judge will review her case Sept. 10 and, depending on how well she has done with the speaking engagements, could allow her to avoid jail and work release, said her attorney, Trent Copeland.

The 30-year-old Doherty was arrested in Thousand Oaks on Dec. 28 with a blood-alcohol level of .13%. The legal limit to drive is .08%.

Doherty pleaded no contest in April to charges of drunk driving. In addition to whatever penalty she pays, Judge Charles Campbell gave her three years’ probation. If she violates probation, she faces up to 16 days in jail.