OC star faces drink-drive charge

Mischa Barton spent three years in TV teen drama The OC

Actress Mischa Barton has been charged with drink-driving, cannabis possession and driving without a licence, Los Angeles prosecutors have said.

The ex-star of The OC was pulled over in December when police said they saw her car straddling two road lanes and failing to signal when making a turn.

Barton, 22, spent about seven hours in a West Hollywood jail before being released on $10,000 (£5,005) bail.

She will appear in court on Thursday to face the charges.

Barton's lawyer, Anthony V Salerno, said in a statement that he was pleased the star "received no special treatment" from the District Attorney.

"The DA's office is to be commended for treating this case the same as it would any other matter," he added.

Barton played Marissa Cooper on teen drama The OC from 2003 until 2006, when her character died in a car crash.

The London-born actress has also appeared in several movies, including The Sixth Sense and St Trinian's, plus forthcoming film Virgin Territory.