Actresses With Criminal Charges

The glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry often hide the complicated personal lives of its biggest stars. While many actresses maintain clean public images others have found themselves facing significant legal challenges. These incidents range from minor traffic violations to serious felony charges that have led to prison time. Examining these cases offers a look at the intersection of celebrity culture and the judicial system.

Felicity Huffman

The star of ‘Desperate Housewives’ was arrested for her involvement in a college admissions bribery scheme. She pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud after paying to have her daughter’s SAT scores corrected. The actress spent two weeks in a federal correctional facility and completed a year of supervised release. She also performed two hundred fifty hours of community service as part of her court order.

Lori Loughlin

Known for her role on ‘Full House’ the actress was charged with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. She and her husband paid five hundred thousand dollars to have their daughters admitted to the University of Southern California as rowing recruits. Loughlin pleaded guilty to the charges and served a two month prison sentence. She was also required to pay a fine and complete community service hours upon her release.

Winona Ryder

The ‘Beetlejuice’ actress faced major legal issues after being caught shoplifting from a department store in Beverly Hills. She was charged with grand theft and felony vandalism for taking thousands of dollars worth of designer merchandise. A jury found her guilty of the theft charges which resulted in probation and community service. This incident led to a significant hiatus in her acting career for several years.

Lindsay Lohan

The ‘Mean Girls’ star has a lengthy history of legal troubles including multiple arrests for driving under the influence. She also faced charges for grand theft related to a necklace and various probation violations over several years. Lohan spent several stints in jail and attended numerous court mandated rehabilitation programs. Her legal battles became a primary focus of tabloid media during the peak of her early career.

Amanda Bynes

The former star of ‘The Amanda Show’ faced several criminal charges related to driving under the influence and leaving the scene of an accident. She also dealt with charges for marijuana possession and evidence tampering after an incident in her New York apartment. These legal issues were frequently linked to her public struggles with mental health and substance abuse. Bynes eventually entered a long term conservatorship to manage her affairs following these various legal encounters.

Michelle Rodriguez

The ‘Fast and Furious’ star has faced several legal issues including charges for driving under the influence. She also served time in jail for violating the terms of her probation after failing to complete community service. Rodriguez spent time in a Los Angeles county jail and was later required to wear an alcohol monitoring bracelet. Her legal history includes arrests in both California and Hawaii during her time on the show ‘Lost’.

Heather Locklear

The ‘Melrose Place’ actress was arrested multiple times for various offenses including battery on a police officer and emergency personnel. She also faced charges for driving under the influence of prescription medication. These incidents often involved calls to her home regarding domestic disturbances or psychiatric concerns. Locklear was ordered to complete a residential treatment program as part of her sentencing for these criminal acts.

Shailene Woodley

The ‘Divergent’ star was arrested in 2016 while protesting the Dakota Access Pipeline in North Dakota. She was charged with criminal trespassing and engaging in a riot during the peaceful demonstration. Woodley broadcast her arrest on social media to bring attention to the environmental cause she supported. She eventually pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of disorderly conduct and received one year of probation.

Mischa Barton

The actress from ‘The O.C.’ was arrested for driving under the influence and possession of marijuana in 2007. She was also found to be driving without a valid license at the time of her traffic stop. Barton pleaded no contest to the charges and was sentenced to three years of unsupervised probation. She also attended alcohol education classes and paid a fine to resolve the legal matter.

Nicole Richie

The star of ‘The Simple Life’ was arrested for driving under the influence after police found her driving the wrong way on a freeway. This was her second arrest related to driving violations which led to more significant legal consequences. Richie pleaded guilty to the charges and served a very brief sentence in a county jail. She also completed a mandatory alcohol education program and served several years of probation.

Paris Hilton

The socialite and actress was arrested for driving under the influence and later for driving with a suspended license. She made international headlines when she was sentenced to forty five days in jail for violating her probation. Hilton eventually served over twenty days in a Los Angeles facility before being released. She also faced a drug possession charge in Las Vegas several years later which resulted in further probation and community service.

Reese Witherspoon

The ‘Legally Blonde’ star was arrested for disorderly conduct during a traffic stop involving her husband. She was charged after refusing to follow police instructions and arguing with the officer on the scene. Witherspoon later issued a public apology stating she was deeply embarrassed by her behavior. She pleaded no contest and was required to pay a fine for the incident.

Emma Roberts

The ‘American Horror Story’ actress was arrested in Canada following a domestic dispute with her boyfriend at the time. Police were called to their hotel room after reports of a fight and observed injuries on the other individual. Roberts was taken into custody but was released shortly after when no charges were pressed by the victim. The couple released a joint statement calling the event an unfortunate misunderstanding.

Jane Fonda

The legendary ‘Grace and Frankie’ actress has been arrested numerous times throughout her life for civil disobedience. Most recently she was arrested multiple times at the United States Capitol while participating in climate change protests. Fonda has often spent nights in jail for her activism and views these arrests as a way to highlight critical social issues. Her legal record spans several decades of political involvement and environmental advocacy.

Allison Mack

The ‘Smallville’ actress faced very serious criminal charges for her involvement in the NXIVM cult. She was arrested on charges of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy for her role in recruiting women for the organization. Mack pleaded guilty to racketeering charges and cooperated with federal prosecutors in the case against the group leader. She was sentenced to three years in prison for her criminal actions.

Naya Rivera

The late ‘Glee’ actress was arrested in 2017 for domestic battery involving her husband in West Virginia. Police were called to a residence where they were presented with video evidence of a physical altercation. Rivera was charged with a misdemeanor and released on bond shortly after the incident. The charges were later dismissed at the request of her husband after the couple decided to move forward.

Lucy Lawless

The ‘Xena Warrior Princess’ star was arrested for trespassing after she boarded an oil drilling ship to protest Arctic drilling. She and several other activists spent several days on the vessel to prevent it from departing. Lawless pleaded guilty to the trespassing charges and was ordered to pay a fine and complete community service. She remains a committed activist for environmental causes despite her past legal encounters.

Daryl Hannah

The ‘Kill Bill’ actress has been arrested multiple times during various environmental protests. She was taken into custody for trespassing during a demonstration against a pipeline in Texas and for a similar incident at the White House. Hannah has used her celebrity status to draw attention to sustainability and the protection of natural resources. These arrests typically result in misdemeanor charges and small fines.

Rose McGowan

The ‘Charmed’ actress was arrested on a felony charge of drug possession after items left on a flight tested positive for cocaine. She maintained that the evidence was planted as part of a conspiracy to silence her advocacy against industry figures. McGowan eventually entered a plea deal that reduced the felony to a misdemeanor. She paid a fine and avoided jail time as part of the legal resolution.

Amber Heard

The ‘Aquaman’ actress faced legal charges in Australia for illegally bringing her dogs into the country without proper permits. She was charged with two counts of illegally importing animals and one count of producing a false document. Heard pleaded guilty to the charge of falsifying travel documents and received a one month good behavior bond. The incident became a widely publicized legal battle between the actress and the Australian government.

Maia Campbell

The ‘In the House’ actress has faced several arrests over the years for disorderly conduct and public intoxication. These legal issues were often linked to her public struggles with substance abuse and mental health conditions. Campbell was famously arrested at a restaurant after causing a disturbance and refusing to leave the premises. Her legal challenges have been a recurring topic in news coverage regarding her personal wellbeing.

Jaime Pressly

The ‘My Name is Earl’ star was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence in early 2011. She was pulled over for a traffic violation and subsequently failed field sobriety tests conducted by police. Pressly was booked into jail and later released on bail after the incident. She eventually pleaded no contest to the charges and was sentenced to three years of informal probation.

Vivica A. Fox

The ‘Independence Day’ actress was arrested for driving under the influence after police observed her vehicle speeding on a Los Angeles freeway. She failed multiple sobriety tests and was taken into custody for the violation. Fox later pleaded no contest to the charges and received a sentence of three years probation. She also paid various fines and attended an alcohol education program as required by the court.

Bai Ling

The ‘Red Corner’ actress was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport for shoplifting magazines and batteries. She was charged with a misdemeanor and later pleaded guilty to the act of disturbing the peace. Ling blamed the incident on the emotional stress of a recent breakup and her mental state at the time. She was ordered to pay a fine and court costs to settle the matter.

Joyce DeWitt

The actress known for ‘Three’s Company’ was arrested for driving under the influence in California. She was pulled over after driving past a barricade and exhibited signs of intoxication during the stop. DeWitt was processed and released on her own recognizance after the arrest. She eventually pleaded no contest and was sentenced to probation and mandatory alcohol counseling.

Natasha Lyonne

The ‘Russian Doll’ star faced several legal issues during the early 2000s including an arrest for driving under the influence. She also faced charges for criminal mischief and harassment following an incident involving a neighbor. These legal battles occurred during a period where the actress was struggling with personal health issues. Lyonne eventually turned her life around and has since enjoyed a highly successful comeback in the industry.

Amy Locane

The ‘Melrose Place’ actress was involved in a fatal car accident while driving under the influence of alcohol. She was charged with second degree vehicular homicide and assault by auto after the crash killed a woman and injured a man. Locane served several years in prison but faced multiple resentencing hearings due to legal appeals regarding the length of her term. This tragic case remains one of the most serious criminal records for a television actress.

Khloé Kardashian

The reality television star and actress was arrested for driving under the influence in 2007. She was sentenced to probation but later violated the terms of her release by failing to complete her community service. Kardashian was ordered to serve thirty days in jail but was released after only a few hours due to overcrowding. This incident was documented on her family reality show and became a significant part of her public history.

Carmen Electra

The ‘Baywatch’ actress was arrested along with her then husband Dennis Rodman for a domestic dispute in Florida. Both parties were charged with misdemeanor battery following a physical altercation in a hotel room. The charges were eventually dropped after both individuals agreed to stay away from each other and seek counseling. Electra has remained mostly out of legal trouble since this highly publicized event in the late 1990s.

Juliette Lewis

The ‘Cape Fear’ actress was arrested when she was sixteen years old for being inside an illegal underground club. She was charged as a minor but the arrest was later scrubbed from her record by a judge. Lewis has spoken openly about her rebellious youth and how her early encounters with the law shaped her. She also faced minor legal scrutiny during various protests but has maintained a relatively clean record as an adult.

Courtney Love

The ‘Hole’ singer and actress has faced numerous criminal charges including drug possession and assault. She was arrested after breaking windows at a private residence while under the influence of controlled substances. Love has also faced legal action for violating probation and for various public disturbances in both the United States and abroad. Her legal history is extensive and spans several decades of her career in the spotlight.

Bijou Phillips

The ‘Almost Famous’ actress was charged with assault after an incident involving a physical altercation with another individual. She has also faced various legal complications related to her personal life and family associations. Phillips was ordered to perform community service and attend anger management classes as part of her sentencing. Her legal issues have often been discussed in the context of her difficult upbringing and social circle.

Jen Shah

The reality actress from ‘The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City’ was arrested on federal charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. She was accused of running a massive telemarketing scheme that targeted elderly and vulnerable victims. Shah initially pleaded not guilty but later changed her plea to guilty before the trial began. She was sentenced to six and a half years in federal prison for her crimes.

Teresa Giudice

The ‘Real Housewives of New Jersey’ star was indicted on multiple counts of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. She and her husband were found guilty of hiding assets and falsifying loan applications during their bankruptcy proceedings. Giudice served nearly a year in a federal correctional facility before being released to home confinement. Her return to television after her incarceration was a major storyline on her reality series.

Kim Richards

The former child actress and ‘Real Housewives’ star was arrested for public intoxication and battery on a police officer. The incident occurred at a hotel restaurant where she refused to leave and allegedly kicked an officer during her arrest. She later faced another arrest for shoplifting hundreds of dollars worth of items from a retail store. Richards was sentenced to three years of probation and required to attend support group meetings.

Taryn Manning

The ‘Orange is the New Black’ actress was arrested for allegedly assaulting her makeup artist in a hotel room. She faced charges of misdemeanor assault and criminal obstruction of breathing following the altercation. The charges were eventually dropped when the complainant decided not to move forward with the prosecution. Manning has also been involved in other legal disputes involving stalking allegations and restraining orders.

Shelley Morrison

The actress best known for her role on ‘Will and Grace’ was arrested for shoplifting from a department store. She was caught taking costume jewelry and was charged with a misdemeanor for the incident. Morrison pleaded no contest and was given a suspended sentence with a period of probation. She continued to work in the industry for many years following this legal setback.

Jenelle Evans

The television personality and actress has been arrested over a dozen times for various offenses. Her criminal record includes charges for heroin possession and multiple counts of assault and battery. She has also faced legal issues related to driving violations and breaking and entering. Evans has spent significant time in courtrooms and has been under various forms of probation throughout her adult life.

Luann de Lesseps

The ‘Real Housewives’ star was arrested in Palm Beach for battery on an officer and resisting arrest with violence. She allegedly trespassed into a hotel room and threatened the lives of the police officers who arrived to detain her. De Lesseps entered a plea deal that allowed her to avoid jail time by completing probation and alcohol treatment. She has since been open about her recovery journey following the legal incident.

Sonja Morgan

The television personality and actress was arrested for driving under the influence in Southampton. She was pulled over after failing to stop at a stop sign and subsequently failed field sobriety tests. Morgan was processed at the police station and released on her own recognizance after the arrest. She resolved the matter in court and has frequently discussed the experience as a turning point in her life.

Porsha Williams

The ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’ actress was arrested for battery after a physical altercation during a television reunion special. She was also arrested later for speeding and driving with a suspended license in Georgia. Williams has been involved in several high profile protests where she was taken into custody for civil disobedience. She has used these experiences to advocate for social justice reform within her community.

Cynthia Nixon

The ‘Sex and the City’ star was arrested during a protest at the New York City Hall. She was participating in a demonstration for better funding for public schools when she was taken into custody for trespassing. Nixon was processed and released with a summons for the misdemeanor violation. She has continued to be a vocal political activist and even ran for governor of New York.

Rosario Dawson

The ‘Ahsoka’ actress was arrested during a Democracy Spring protest in Washington District of Columbia. She was among hundreds of people who were detained for crowding and obstructing during the event at the Capitol. Dawson was issued a fine and released shortly after being processed by local law enforcement. She maintains that her arrest was a necessary step in fighting for campaign finance reform.

Halle Berry

The ‘X-Men’ actress was involved in a traffic accident where she left the scene before police arrived. She was charged with a misdemeanor for leaving the scene of an accident after hitting another vehicle. Berry pleaded no contest to the charges and was sentenced to three years of probation. She was also required to perform community service and pay a significant fine as part of her plea agreement.

Kelly LeBrock

The actress from ‘Weird Science’ was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence in 2013. She was pulled over by a California Highway Patrol officer who observed her vehicle weaving and failing to stop correctly. LeBrock was taken into custody after failing field sobriety tests on the scene. This incident joined her name with other celebrities who have faced legal consequences for traffic related offenses.

Zsa Zsa Gabor

The legendary actress was arrested for slapping a police officer during a traffic stop in Beverly Hills. She was driving her Rolls Royce when she was pulled over for having expired tags on her vehicle. Gabor was found guilty of battery on an officer and driving without a valid license. She was sentenced to three days in jail and ordered to pay several thousand dollars in fines.

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