Paris ordered to court

2007-04-18 09:33

Los Angeles - Paris Hilton was ordered on Tuesday to appear in court on May 4 for allegedly violating her probation in a reckless driving case by driving on a suspended license.

City prosecutors are seeking to revoke her probation on grounds that she violated its terms, which could result in a sentence of up to 90 days in jail.

The hotel heiress and TV personality was not present for Tuesday's hearing, which was conducted almost entirely with lawyers at the bench speaking privately with the judge.

At one point, however, superior court judge Michael Sauer was heard saying that the allegation was driving on a suspended license. He then commented to the lawyers, "I find that a violation."

The judge later announced that the matter would be postponed to May 4 and Hilton was ordered to appear.

Outside court, Hilton attorney Howard Weitzman was asked whether the matter was close to being resolved.

"It is," he said without elaboration.

Asked what will happen on May 4, he said, "I expect to be here."

The prosecutor did not comment to reporters.

Driving with suspended licence

In January, Hilton pleaded no contest to alcohol-related reckless driving stemming from a September 7 arrest in Hollywood and was sentenced to 36 months probation, alcohol education and $1 500 in fines.

She was then pulled over on Sunset Boulevard on February 28 for allegedly speeding with her car's headlights off and was ticketed for misdemeanour driving with a suspended license.

Hilton's spokesperson Elliot Mintz said at the time that she was not aware her license was suspended.

- AP