Mischa Barton faces 4 misdemeanor charges

Mischa Barton, an English-born American actress and fashion model, on Tuesday has officially been charged with four misdemeanor counts, including two counts of driving under the influence (DUI). The charges stemmed from the actress’ arrest in December.

The actress, best known for her portrayal of Marissa Cooper on Fox's defunct teen drama "The O.C.", was arrested by the police in West Hollywood, California on Dec. 27. The 21-year-old English-American actress was pulled over by police at 2:46 a.m. Police officers noticed her weaving between two lanes of traffic on La Cienega Boulevard and not signaling for a turn, a spokesman for the L.A. County sheriff's department has said.

Barton at the time was charged with three criminal counts: driving under the influence, possession of illegal narcotics and driving without a valid license. She posted $10,000 bail and later was released from the West Hollywood sheriff's station.

According to court papers, on Tuesday the actress was charged with four misdemeanors: 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.

Anthony V. Salerno, Barton attorney said in a statement that 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 will be formally arraigned Thursday in Beverly Hills Superior Court.

This is not the first time Barton is facing alcohol-related trouble, instead in May she was rushed to the hospital after mixing antibiotics and alcohol at a friend's Memorial Day barbecue.

Born on January 24, 1986 in Hammersmith, London, England to an English father, Paul Marsden Barton, and an Irish mother, Nuala Quinn, Barton is an actress and fashion model and is best known for her role as Marissa Cooper on the former Fox television teen drama series The O.C.

Barton has modeled for big name companies such as Calvin Klein, bebe stores, Aéropostale, Monsoon Accessorize, Dooney & Bourke, JC (Jeans and Clothes), Morgan de Toi, Jaspal, and Neutrogena skincare products.

Her younger sister, Hania Barton, currently a student in Los Angeles, entered rehab earlier this year for addiction to painkillers.