Actor Michael Madsen has been charged with misdemeanor driving under the influence, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office said Wednesday.
In all, the “Hateful Eight” actor was charged with one count each of misdemeanor driving under the influence of alcohol within 10 years of another DUI offense and driving with a .08% blood alcohol content within 10 years of another DUI offense.
Madsen, 61, faces a possible maximum sentence of 364 days in jail if convicted as charged.
According to the district attorney’s office, Madsen crashed his SUV into a pole while driving in Malibu, California, on March 24.
Madsen is expected to be arraigned on May 20.
“Michael Madsen is very busy doing films in Europe. He appreciates his fans’ interest in his well being. The past year has seen many incidents involving celebrities arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI),” Madsen’s attorney, Perry C. Wander, told TheWrap in a statement.
“Honestly, it’s stressful being a celebrity, dealing with the fact that being famous and having money does not bring happiness presents very difficult existential challenges that are often dealt with through self-medication. Michael has a lot of insight into his situation and is going to take this matter very seriously. He has a loving family that are supportive of him. He humbly requests that the media respect his request for privacy for him and his family.”