On Thursday, Amanda Bynes skipped her court hearing in L.A. and went shopping instead in New York City. The actress's attorney, Richard Hutton, pleaded not guilty totwo misdemeanor counts of hit and run on her behalf. (The charges come from alleged incidents on Apr. 10 and Aug. 4.)
The charges carry a maximum sentence of six months in jail
and/or a $1,000 fine for each count. The sentences can run consecutively, i.e. one year and/or a $2,000 fine.
"Her attorney, Rich Hutton, is highly capable and I have no doubt that he will get her the best deal possible," criminal defense attorney Troy Slaten, who is not associated with Bynes, tells E! News.
"Neither hit and run allegation can be used to enhance any potential punishment from the DUI or vice versa," he says. "Because she was not on probation for any offense when the alleged hit-and-runs occurred, the fact that she is also separately charged with DUI is irrelevant to that case."
"All that being said, the City Attorney and the D.A. are keenly aware of all the charges and the appearance that she is engaging in reckless and dangerous behavior that may put the public at risk," Slaten says. "This could play into any plea bargaining that may happen in her case."
Commissioner Rebecca Omens set the next court date for Oct. 19. The actress was ordered to obey all laws and not drive without valid drivers license. Commissioner Omens ordered Bynes to be officially booked within 48 hours of the Oct. 19 court date.