Actresses Who Had Multiple Arrests

The entertainment industry often sees its brightest stars face legal challenges that make headlines across the globe. While many celebrities maintain a clean public record others have experienced multiple encounters with law enforcement throughout their careers. These incidents range from traffic violations and substance related offenses to civil disobedience during political protests. This list explores several actresses who have faced the legal system on more than one occasion during their time in the spotlight.

Lindsay Lohan

The actress known for her role in ‘Mean Girls’ has faced numerous legal challenges throughout her career. She was arrested several times for driving under the influence and drug possession between 2007 and 2012. These incidents frequently resulted in probation violations and short stays in jail or rehabilitation facilities. Her legal history also includes a grand theft charge related to a jewelry store incident. She has worked to rebuild her career and reputation in recent years following these public struggles.

Amanda Bynes

The former child star of ‘The Amanda Show’ experienced a series of legal issues starting in 2012. She was arrested for driving under the influence after hitting a police car in West Hollywood. Later she faced charges for reckless endangerment and tampering with evidence in New York City. These legal matters were often connected to her mental health challenges during that period of her life. She eventually sought treatment and has largely stayed out of the public eye since.

Heather Locklear

The ‘Melrose Place’ star has been arrested multiple times for various offenses over the years. In 2008 she was charged with driving under the influence of prescription medication. More recently she faced legal consequences for battery on emergency personnel and police officers at her home. These incidents occurred during wellness checks and domestic disturbance calls in 2018. She has spent time in residential treatment facilities to address the underlying issues contributing to these events.

Michelle Rodriguez

The actress from ‘The Fast and the Furious’ has a history of legal trouble related to driving and probation violations. She was arrested for a hit and run incident and driving under the influence in Los Angeles. Later she served time in jail for failing to complete community service and violating the terms of her probation. In another instance she chose jail time over community service after a DUI arrest in Hawaii. Her career has continued to thrive despite these previous legal complications.

Courtney Love

The lead singer and actress seen in ‘The People vs. Larry Flynt’ has faced several arrests involving drugs and assault. She was taken into custody for drug related offenses and breaking windows at a former boyfriend’s home. She also faced legal action for assault with a deadly weapon after an incident involving a fan at a concert. Her legal history includes numerous probation violations and court ordered rehabilitation programs. She remains a prominent figure in the rock music and film industries today.

Natasha Lyonne

Before starring in ‘Orange Is the New Black’ this actress faced significant legal difficulties in the early 2000s. She was arrested for driving under the influence and later for criminal mischief and trespassing. Her legal issues led to several court appearances and a period of hospitalization for health complications. She has spoken openly about her past struggles and how they shaped her eventual career resurgence. Her recent success in television has cemented her status as a talented and resilient performer.

Mackenzie Phillips

The star of ‘One Day at a Time’ has dealt with multiple drug related arrests over several decades. Her first major legal issues began during the height of her initial television fame in the late 1970s. She was arrested again in 2008 at Los Angeles International Airport for possession of controlled substances. These legal struggles were part of a long battle with addiction that she has since documented in her memoir. She now works as a counselor to help others facing similar challenges.

Lisa Robin Kelly

The late actress known for ‘That 70s Show’ faced several legal setbacks during her later years. She was arrested multiple times for driving under the influence and corporal injury to a spouse. These incidents frequently appeared in the news as she struggled to maintain her acting career. Her legal battles were often followed by attempts to regain sobriety in various treatment centers. She unfortunately passed away while seeking help for her addiction in 2013.

Maia Campbell

This ‘In the House’ actress has been arrested multiple times for disorderly conduct and drug related offenses. Her legal issues were often documented in public and linked to her struggles with bipolar disorder. She faced charges for several incidents in different states including Georgia and Florida. These arrests occurred over a span of several years as she dealt with personal and mental health crises. Many fans and former colleagues have expressed support for her during her ongoing recovery journey.

Yasmine Bleeth

The former ‘Baywatch’ star was arrested in 2001 after a car accident led to the discovery of cocaine. She faced charges for possession of a controlled substance and driving while impaired. This incident resulted in a sentence of probation and regular drug testing for the actress. She has largely retired from acting and public life following her legal and personal struggles. Her case served as a high profile example of the pressures facing television stars at the time.

Dana Plato

The actress who played Kimberly Drummond on ‘Diff’rent Strokes’ had several run ins with the law. She was arrested for the armed robbery of a video store in 1991 where she used a pellet gun. Shortly after she faced another arrest for forging prescriptions for Valium. These incidents marked a difficult transition from child stardom to adult life for the performer. She passed away in 1999 leaving behind a complicated legacy in the entertainment world.

Shannen Doherty

The ‘Charmed’ and ‘Beverly Hills 90210’ star had a few legal issues early in her career. She was arrested in 1996 after she allegedly smashed a car window during an argument. In 2001 she faced another arrest for driving under the influence and refusing a chemical test. She completed her court ordered community service and educational programs to resolve these matters. Despite these early incidents she maintained a very successful career in television for decades.

Mischa Barton

The actress who rose to fame on ‘The O.C.’ was arrested in 2007 for driving under the influence. She also faced charges for possession of marijuana and driving without a valid license during the same incident. This legal setback occurred at the height of her television popularity and drew significant media attention. She was sentenced to probation and court mandated treatment programs as a result. She has since focused on various independent film projects and stage work.

Jane Fonda

This iconic actress has been arrested many times for her political activism and civil disobedience. Her first notable arrest occurred in 1970 during a protest against the Vietnam War. More recently she was arrested multiple times in Washington D.C. while participating in climate change demonstrations. She often uses these legal encounters to draw attention to the social and environmental causes she supports. Her commitment to activism has been a defining characteristic of her long career.

Daryl Hannah

The star of ‘Splash’ has a long history of being arrested during environmental protests. She has been taken into custody for protesting the construction of oil pipelines and the demolition of community gardens. These arrests have occurred in various locations including Texas and Washington D.C. over the years. She remains a dedicated activist who is willing to face legal consequences for her beliefs. Her work in film often reflects her passion for the natural world and conservation.

Lucy Lawless

Known globally for her role in ‘Xena Warrior Princess’ this actress has been arrested for her activism. She was taken into custody in 2012 after boarding an oil drilling ship to protest Arctic exploration. She and several other activists were charged with unlawful entry and faced fines and community service. She has continued to use her public platform to advocate for environmental protection and human rights. Her career includes a wide range of roles in television and musical theater.

Bai Ling

The actress from ‘The Crow’ was arrested in 2008 for shoplifting at Los Angeles International Airport. She was accused of taking magazines and batteries from a gift shop without paying. She also faced charges for disturbing the peace during the same encounter with law enforcement. These legal issues were settled through fines and a plea agreement in court. She remains active in the international film industry and is known for her eccentric public persona.

Tatum O’Neal

The youngest person to ever win an Academy Award has faced multiple arrests related to drug possession. She was arrested in 2008 while attempting to purchase narcotics on a street corner in Manhattan. Her legal history also includes earlier struggles that were documented in her personal memoirs. She has been open about the difficulties of growing up in the spotlight and her path toward sobriety. She continues to act in television and film while advocating for recovery.

Rose McGowan

The ‘Scream’ and ‘Charmed’ actress was arrested in 2017 on a felony drug possession charge. The arrest was based on a warrant related to items left on a flight several months prior. She has claimed that the legal issues were an attempt to silence her during her public advocacy for victims of harassment. The charges were eventually reduced as part of a plea deal involving fines. She has since transitioned from acting to writing and directing her own projects.

Shelley Morrison

The late actress who played Rosario on ‘Will and Grace’ had two arrests for shoplifting in her life. The first incident occurred in 1999 and the second followed in 2003 at a department store. She expressed deep regret for these actions and sought professional help to understand the behavior. Her colleagues on the show remained supportive of her throughout these personal challenges. She continued to work on the popular sitcom until its original conclusion in 2006.

Luann de Lesseps

This television personality and actress was arrested in late 2017 in Palm Beach Florida. She faced charges for battery on an officer and disorderly intoxication after an incident at a hotel. She later faced another arrest for violating the terms of her probation by failing an alcohol test. These events were chronicled on her reality television series as she sought treatment and recovery. She has since focused on her cabaret career and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

NeNe Leakes

Before becoming a breakout star on reality television this performer had several legal issues in her youth. She was arrested multiple times for theft and criminal trespassing in the early 1990s. These incidents occurred well before she achieved fame and were later discussed in her biographical writings. She has often spoken about her past mistakes as part of her journey toward success and personal growth. She has since expanded her career into acting on scripted television and Broadway.

Jenelle Evans

This television actress has a lengthy record of arrests spanning over a decade of her public life. Her legal troubles include charges for drug possession and assault as well as numerous probation violations. She has been taken into custody multiple times in North Carolina for domestic disputes and other disturbances. Her life has been heavily documented by media outlets due to her frequent appearances in court. She continues to engage with her audience through social media and independent projects.

Amber Portwood

Known for her roles in reality television this performer has faced several significant legal issues. She was arrested for domestic violence and later chose a jail sentence over a drug rehabilitation program. Her time in prison was followed by several years of parole and continued legal scrutiny. More recently she was arrested again for domestic battery involving a different partner. She has been vocal about her mental health diagnoses and the challenges of living in the public eye.

Porsha Williams

This actress and media personality has been arrested on more than one occasion. She was taken into custody for a battery charge following an altercation during a television reunion special. Later she was arrested while participating in a peaceful protest for social justice in Kentucky. She has used these experiences to highlight the importance of civil rights and community activism. Her career includes voice acting and hosting roles in addition to her work in reality television.

Joyce DeWitt

The ‘Three’s Company’ star was arrested in 2009 for driving under the influence in California. She was stopped by police after driving past a barricade near a park. This incident resulted in her being sentenced to probation and a court ordered alcohol education program. It was one of the few times the actress faced legal trouble during her long career in the entertainment industry. She has remained a beloved figure for her work in classic television and theater.

Sally Struthers

The ‘All in the Family’ and ‘Gilmore Girls’ actress was arrested for driving under the influence in 2012. The incident occurred in Maine where she was performing in a local theater production. She was released on bail and later resolved the legal matter through the court system. This event was a rare legal complication for an actress known for her philanthropic work and long standing television roles. She continues to perform in various touring productions across the United States.

Bijou Phillips

The ‘Almost Famous’ actress has faced multiple legal issues including an arrest for assault. She was taken into custody in the late 1990s after an altercation at a nightclub. She also faced legal scrutiny for various driving offenses and other minor disturbances during her younger years. Her life in the public eye has been marked by both her acting talent and her family connections to the music industry. She has largely shifted her focus away from acting to her private life in recent years.

Winona Ryder

The star of ‘Stranger Things’ and ‘Beetlejuice’ was famously arrested in 2001 for shoplifting at a Beverly Hills department store. She was found in possession of thousands of dollars in designer goods and pharmaceutical drugs without prescriptions. This incident led to a high profile trial and a sentence of three years of probation. She took a hiatus from acting following the legal proceedings before making a successful comeback years later. Her career remains strong with multiple award nominations for her recent work.

Zsa Zsa Gabor

This legendary actress and socialite had a very public arrest in 1989 for slapping a police officer. The incident occurred during a traffic stop while she was driving her Rolls Royce in Beverly Hills. She was sentenced to three days in jail and community service for the assault and driving with an expired license. Her legal battles were often characterized by her flamboyant personality and humorous courtroom appearances. She remained a fixture of Hollywood culture until her passing in 2016.

Erika Eleniak

The ‘Baywatch’ and ‘Under Siege’ actress has faced legal trouble related to driving while intoxicated. She was arrested for a DUI in 2006 and has had other minor legal citations during her career. These incidents were managed through the legal system and resulted in typical penalties for first time offenses. She has continued to work in independent films and television movies throughout the years. Her early fame as a magazine model and television star made her legal issues a topic of tabloid interest.

Jaime Pressly

The ‘My Name Is Earl’ star was arrested in 2011 for driving under the influence in Santa Monica. She was stopped for a traffic violation which led to the discovery of her intoxication. She pleaded no contest to the charges and received a sentence of three years of informal probation. This incident was a notable departure from her professional reputation as an award winning comedy actress. She has since moved on with several successful television projects and voice acting roles.

Tara Reid

The ‘American Pie’ actress has had several brushes with the law involving public intoxication and driving. She was arrested for driving under the influence and has been involved in multiple incidents requiring police intervention at various venues. Her public struggles with alcohol were frequently discussed in the media during the early 2000s. She has sought treatment at different times to address these issues and maintain her career. She continues to appear in a variety of film projects including the popular ‘Sharknado’ series.

Vivica A. Fox

The actress from ‘Independence Day’ was arrested in 2007 for driving under the influence on a California freeway. She was pulled over for speeding and subsequently failed a field sobriety test. She pleaded no contest to the charges and was sentenced to three years of probation and community service. This legal setback did not hinder her prolific career as she continued to secure major roles in television and film. She is also a successful producer and entrepreneur in the beauty industry.

Amy Locane

This ‘Melrose Place’ actress faced severe legal consequences following a fatal car accident in 2010. She was arrested for driving under the influence and vehicular homicide after her vehicle struck another car. She has served multiple prison sentences as her case went through several appeals regarding the length of her incarceration. This tragic event effectively ended her acting career and has been the subject of several true crime documentaries. She remains under legal supervision as she continues to resolve the civil and criminal matters.

Kim Richards

The former child star and sister of Kathy Hilton has faced several arrests in recent years. She was taken into custody for public intoxication and battery on a police officer at a hotel in Beverly Hills. Later she was arrested for shoplifting at a department store where she was accused of taking several hundred dollars in merchandise. These legal issues were often linked to her publicly documented struggles with sobriety. She has worked through court ordered treatment programs to address these recurring challenges.

Roseanne Barr

The comedian and actress known for ‘Roseanne’ has been arrested for various disturbances and battery charges in her past. One notable incident involved an arrest for battery after a confrontation during her early stand up career. Her legal history also includes arrests related to protests and other public demonstrations. She has often used her legal encounters as material for her comedy and social commentary. Her career has been marked by both massive commercial success and significant public controversy.

Paris Hilton

The socialite and ‘The Simple Life’ star was arrested in 2006 for driving under the influence. She later faced jail time for violating her probation by driving on a suspended license. In 2010 she was arrested again for cocaine possession in Las Vegas which resulted in another period of probation. These legal issues were highly publicized and helped shape the public perception of her during that era. She has since successfully rebranded herself as a global business mogul and DJ.

Khloé Kardashian

This television personality was arrested in 2007 for driving under the influence in Los Angeles. She was sentenced to probation but later faced a short jail term for failing to complete her court ordered community service. Her brief time in custody was famously documented on her family’s reality series. She has not had any major legal issues since that time and has focused on her health and business ventures. Her career has grown significantly as she became a prominent figure in fashion and entertainment.

Shailene Woodley

The ‘Divergent’ and ‘Big Little Lies’ star was arrested in 2016 during a protest against the Dakota Access Pipeline. She was charged with criminal trespassing and engaging in a riot while livestreaming the event on social media. She pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct as part of a plea deal and received a year of probation. This arrest highlighted her commitment to environmental activism and indigenous rights. She continues to use her platform to advocate for various social and political causes.

Carmen Electra

The ‘Baywatch’ actress was arrested in 1999 following a domestic dispute with her then husband Dennis Rodman. Both parties were charged with battery after police were called to their hotel room in Miami. The charges were eventually dropped after both individuals agreed to stay away from each other. This high profile incident was one of several legal complications she faced during the peak of her fame. She has remained active in the entertainment industry as a model and television host.

Allison Mack

The ‘Smallville’ actress faced very serious legal charges related to her involvement in the NXIVM organization. She was arrested in 2018 for racketeering and sex trafficking as well as forced labor conspiracy. She eventually pleaded guilty to racketeering charges and was sentenced to three years in federal prison. Her legal case drew international attention due to her high profile role in a popular television series. She has since completed her sentence and is working to move past her legal and personal history.

Heidi Fleiss

Known as the Hollywood Madam this actress and socialite was arrested in 1993 for pandering and tax evasion. Her legal case involved a list of high profile clients that she famously refused to divulge to authorities. She was sentenced to several years in federal prison for her involvement in the illegal enterprise. Following her release she appeared in several reality shows and documentaries about her life. She remains a notable figure in pop culture history due to the scale of her legal troubles.

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