Bynes is no ‘risk’ – judge
Amanda Bynes is not a danger to the public, a judge has ruled.
The troubled actress – who recently had her car impounded and her driving licence suspended – had a court hearing yesterday (19 September) and although she didn’t turn up, Los Angeles Judge Elden Fox says she is not a risk to society.
While the district attorney argued Bynes should be ordered to put up $50 000 bail as a condition of remaining free pending her 29 October trial, the judge chose not to impose the requested bail, stating: "Technically, Ms. Bynes is not in violation of order not to drive without a valid driver’s licence."
And while the district attorney said bail was needed "for the risk of public safety," the judge cited the fact that both incidents occurred prior to Bynes’ licence being suspended. He noted that he would not be as amenable if Bynes received another incident prior to her trial date.
On 5 June, Amanda was officially charged with driving under the influence due to an arrest in April in which she allegedly ran into a police cruiser with her BMW. She also refused to submit to a chemical test at the time of her arrest and the following day, her attorney entered a not guilty plea on her behalf.
On 5 September, the former child star was charged with two counts of misdemeanour hit and run for accidents that occurred 1 April and 4 August.
The charges carry a maximum sentence of six months in jail and/or a $1000 fine for each count and the sentence can run consecutively.
Meanwhile, Byne has insisted that she is "doing amazing", despite her legal problems and insists that claims she was driving under the influence are "all false".
She told People magazine: "I am retired as an actor. I am moving to New York to launch my career. I am going to do a fashion line. I am not talking about being arrested for DUI because I don’t drink, and I don’t drink and drive. It is all false."
However, concerned friends believe Bynes is in denial and have urged her to get help.
An insider said: "People around Amanda are really concerned about her. She tells people she doesn’t party or drink. She doesn’t think she has a problem."
