Celebrity fitness expert Jackie Warner pleaded not guilty to DUI and assault charges on Wednesday, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office said.
Warner, the former star of Bravo’s “Work Out,” has been charged with one felony count of assault upon a peace officer and one misdemeanor count each of driving under the influence of an alcoholic beverage, driving with a .08 percent blood alcohol content and hit-and-run driving resulting in property damage.
The charges stem from a Feb. 24 incident during which Warner — whose real name is Jacqueline Renee Waddell — allegedly crashed into an electrical pole in West Hollywood, California, while driving under the influence. Warner then allegedly struck a patrol car after backing her vehicle toward a deputy who was attempting to detain her.
Warner faces up to six years in state prison if convicted as charged.
Warner’s attorney, Shawn Holley, told TMZ on Monday that she had evidence backing up Warner’s claim that she had taken Ambien prior to the incident.
“We have letters and reports from Jackie’s doctors which prove a long history of insomnia and which strongly support our contention that Jackie was driving unconscious after taking Ambien, which had been prescribed to her.”
Holley added, “I reached out to the DA’s office weeks ago and was assured that deputies would review our reports before filing charges. We are extremely disappointed that the DA’s office filed these charges without reviewing our evidence, as promised.”
Warner starred on three seasons of “Work Out” beginning in 2006. The series focused on Warner as she juggled her professional career with her personal life.