Richie Sambora Charged with Child-Endangerment

Allie @ Gone Hollywood | Monday, April 14, 2008

Police have recommended to prosecutors that Richie Sambora be charged with DUI and child endangerment – stemming from his March 25 arrest.

Richie Sambora Faces Child-Endangerment Charges - Photo

Last week, Laguna Beach Police handed over the case to the Orange County Calif. District Attorney’s Office, which has not announced any formal charges yet.

“Because the case is under review, I can’t discuss the details,” DA spokeswoman Farrah Emami told PEOPLE. “Ultimately, we have to base our decision on the available evidence.”

If Sambora is formally charged with both misdemeanors, a jail sentence is likely, legal experts say.

“Assuming Sambora was driving with over a .08 blood-alcohol level with a passenger under 14 in the car, he’s looking at probable jail time,” says veteran DUI lawyer Lawrence Taylor, who’s not involved with the case. “But it’s possible this can be plea bargained to a lesser offense, and/or he could get rehab in lieu of jail.”