It was Richie’s second DUI conviction, which requires a minimum jail sentence of three months. Because she chose to take three years probation, the sentence was reduced to four days. In addition to the jail sentence and three-year probation, Nicole must take an alcohol education program and pay a fine of $2,048.

Richie and her boyfriend, rocker Joel Madden arrived at the Glendale courthouse in California around 8:20 am on Friday. They waited together in the front row of the court room whispering until Richie’s case was called. At one point during the hearing, Steven Lubell, Los Angeles County Commissioner, told Richie, "Someone could've gotten killed. You need to understand that driving under the influence is extremely dangerous."

Jane Robison, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles District Attorney told Us Weekly, "The judge did not give her special treatment. She is given the same option that any person who pleads guilty to this charge to serve in county or county jail. She just has to show proof of completion by September 28." Regarding Richie’s alleged pregnancy, prosecutor Carolina Lugo said, "That was not discussed and we have no information about that."