Nicole Richie Pleaded Not Guilty & Gets Delay in DUI Case

Nicole Richie has won a delay in her driving under the influence case.

Superior Court Commissioner Steven K. Lubell on Tuesday set a new date of July 11 at the request of a defense attorney.

That means the trial could start on that date or within the following 10 days, said Jane Robison, a spokeswoman for prosecutors.

Richie, the 25-year-old daughter of pop singer Lionel Richie, was arrested Dec. 11. She pleaded not guilty in February to misdemeanor driving under the influence.

In addition to the single count, the case contains an allegation that Richie had a prior misdemeanor DUI conviction in June 2003.

The California vehicle code says if convicted of DUI twice within 10 years, a person can be sentenced to between 90 days and a year in jail and have his or her driving privileges suspended.

Her publicist didn't respond Tuesday to an e-mail seeking comment.