BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. - Mischa Barton has pleaded no contest to drunken driving for a December arrest in West Hollywood.

The former star of TV's "The O.C." wasn't present in a Beverly Hills courtroom Thursday as her lawyer entered no-contest pleas on her behalf to misdemeanour driving under the influence and driving without a licence.

The 22-year-old actress was arrested Dec. 27 after sheriff's deputies saw her car straddling lanes and failing to signal for a turn.

Lawyer Anthony Salerno says Barton will be fined, placed on three years' probation and must attend an alcohol education program.

Salerno says Barton assumes full responsibility for her actions.