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GLENDALE, July 27, 2007 - Nicole Richie pleaded guilty Friday to driving under the influence of drugs and was sentenced to four days in jail by a judge who said she was lucky nobody was killed when she drove the wrong way on a freeway.

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A county court commissioner lectured Richie after she pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge.

Richie was sentenced to 96 hours in just, but received six hours credit for time served. She can either serve in county jail or in city jail. The jail term must be completed by September 28th.

Richie also was given three years probation.

Subdued and somber, Richie, her blond hair caught back in a knot on her neck and wearing a black dress, stood before the judge and answered "guilty" softly when asked how she pleaded to the charge.

She nodded when asked if she understood terms of the plea agreement worked out between her lawyers and the prosecution. Superior Court Commissioner Steven Lubell warned Richie that she would go to jail for one year if she violates probation.

She was ordered to enroll in a second-offender drug and alcohol program and must prove she completed it by next February 20th.

The judge said the state Department of Motor Vehicles will decide whether to suspend her license.

Richie was accompanied to court by her boyfriend Joel Madden to deal with the charge initially filed nearly eight months ago.

Richie was arrested on December 11th in Burbank. Authorities say the reality show star was driving her black Mercedes SUV the wrong way on the 134 freeway. She told police she had taken a pain killer and smoked marijuana.

Earlier this year, Richie pleaded not guilty to charges.

Richie will be sit down for an interview with ABC's Diane Sawyer next week. It will air on Good Morning America next Thursday and Friday. The third segment will air on ABC's primetime show 20/20. She is expected to talk about her possible jail term and her rumored pregnancy. Richie is reportedly expecting a baby with Madden.




Source: http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=entertainment&id=5516175