LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Mel Gibson was charged with misdemeanor drunken driving five days after he was stopped on the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, California, for speeding and made anti-Semitic comments that have stained his public image.
Prosecutors on Wednesday made no mention of Gibson's self-described ``belligerent behavior'' and ``despicable'' remarks in the complaint, which also charges him with having an elevated blood-alcohol level and an open container of liquor in his car.
If convicted, Gibson faces up to six months in jail, the district attorney's office said.
``The ball is now in his court whether he is going to ask for a trial,'' said district attorney's spokeswoman Sandi Gibbons.
Gibson does not have to appear for his Sept. 28 arraignment. A lawyer may appear in his place.
First-time misdemeanor drunken driving offenders usually face minimal, if any, time behind bars.
If convicted, it would be up to the judge to determine whether Gibson would serve any time, Gibbons said.
Gibson's lawyer Blair Berk would not discuss the case.
The Sheriff's Department said Gibson was stopped at 2:36 a.m.
Friday for driving at 87 mph (140 kph) in a 45-mph (70-kph) zone.
Authorities said his blood-alcohol level tested at 0.12 percent. A California driver is legally intoxicated at 0.08 percent.
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