Amanda Bynes avoids jail after striking DUI plea

Actress Amanda Bynes has avoided jail in her DUI case by pleading no contest to a lesser charge as part of a deal with prosecutors. The Hairspray star was due to stand trial later this month (Feb14) for charges relating to an April, 2012 arrest in West Hollywood, where she was busted for allegedly side-swiping a police vehicle.
The case was delayed last summer (13) when Bynes was hospitalised for a mental health evaluation following weeks of erratic behaviour, and she spent the subsequent months in a rehab facility before being released in December (13).
Her lawyers had previously entered a not guilty plea on the actress’ behalf, but they have been working with authorities since January (14) in a bid to help Bynes dodge a stint behind bars.
Her attorney, Rich Hutton, appeared in a California court on Monday (24Feb14) and officially accepted a lesser charge of wet reckless, an alcohol-related offence which carries a lighter sentence.
As part of the deal, 27-year-old Bynes must complete a three-month alcohol education course, pay a number of fines and serve three years on probation.
During the hearing, it was also revealed that the actress’ licence had been suspended following her arrest, as she had declined to submit to an alcohol test.