Paris Hilton faces driving charge

The millionaire socialite has embarked on a singing career

Paris Hilton has been charged in Los Angeles with drinking and driving. The hotel heiress-turned-singer was stopped in her car earlier this month. Police said her blood-alcohol level was 0.08%, the minimum to warrant arrest.

At the time she said she had been at a charity event, where she had had just one drink, and was out looking for food after eating nothing all day.

A spokesman for the singer said the charges were not unexpected. A court hearing will take place on Thursday.

Ms Hilton does not have to appear in person.

Shortly after her brief arrest on 7 September, the singer and heiress to the Hilton hotel fortune described the incident during a radio interview.

She denied driving recklessly but she conceded: "Maybe I was speeding a little bit."

If found guilty of driving under the influence, she could face a maximum sentence of six months in jail.