Mischa Barton charged with DUI, possession

updated 7:48 p.m. ET Feb. 26, 2008

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. - Mischa Barton, who on “The O.C.” played a wealthy teenager in idyllic Orange County, got a dose of reality Tuesday when she was charged with four misdemeanors related to a drinking and driving arrest last year.

The former star of “The O.C.” was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, driving while having a 0.08 percent or higher blood alcohol level, driving without a valid license and possession of 28.5 grams or less of marijuana, according to court papers.

In a statement, Barton attorney Anthony V. Salerno said he was pleased his client was only charged with misdemeanors.

“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,” Salerno said.

Barton was arrested Dec. 27 in West Hollywood after sheriff’s deputies saw her car straddling two lanes of traffic and failing to signal for a turn.

Barton played Marissa Cooper on “The O.C.” from 2003 to 2006, when her character died in a car crash. She also has appeared in several movies, including “The Sixth Sense” and the upcoming “Virgin Territory.”

In May, Barton was hospitalized for two hours after an antibiotic she was taking interacted badly with alcohol.

Barton was scheduled to be arraigned on Thursday in Beverly Hills Superior Court.

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