Nicole Richie facing jail

Feb 19, 2007, 12:50 GMT

02/29/2004 - Nicole Richie - before she was anorexic © Scott Alan / Photorazzi

Nicole Richie was charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) on Friday (16.02.07) meaning she could face jail.

If convicted, 'The Simple Life' star will receive a mandatory jail sentence ranging from 90 days to a year, due to a previous DUI conviction dating back to June 2003.

Her lawyer Howard Weitzman said: "This is a difficult time for Nicole but she is prepared to accept whatever responsibility is appropriate.

"She intends to continue with her career and will deal with any other issues that need to be addressed."

Nicole, 25, was arrested on December 11 for driving on the wrong side of a California highway.

Friday's charge stated she was driving under the influence of "an alcoholic beverage and a drug".

At the time of arrest Nicole told police that she had taken the strong painkiller Vicodin and smoked marijuana.

It is not known what plea Nicole intends to make at the court arraignment on Wednesday (21.02.07).

Earlier this month, she met friend Paris Hilton at Los Angeles' Mr. Chow restaurant and confessed her prison fears.

A source said: "She was really freaking out. Paris kept telling Nicole not to worry, that everything was going to be fine."

(C) BANG Media International