Paris Hilton gets probation for driving offence

Celebutante Paris Hilton has been sentenced to 36 months probation and ordered to pay fines after pleading no contest Monday in a Los Angeles court to alcohol-related reckless driving.

Hilton, 25, did not appear in court to face the charge, which had been reduced from the original charge of driving under the influence.

She was represented by her lawyers, Howard Weitzman and Shawn Chapman Holley.

Judge Michael Sauer also ordered Hilton to attend an alcohol education program and said she could reduce her probation by completing 40 hours of community service.

She must pay fines of about $1,500 USand was ordered not to drive at all when she has been drinking.

Hilton was arrested Sept. 7 in her Mercedes-Benz on a Hollywood street.

She said she had consumed a margarita at a charity event and was on her way to get a hamburger because she had filmed a music video all day without eating.

Hilton was star of TV reality show The Simple Life and released a CD last year.

"She told me that she was happy the matter is over," said her publicist, Elliot Mintz.