As Anne Heche’s family, friends, and supporters are waiting on pins and needles in the hopes that there is some good news to share about her recovery, former prosecutor Neama Rahmani and now-president of West Coast Trial Lawyers told Nicki Swift exclusively her legal woes don’t look great. He explained, “The hit and run carries a possible six-month sentence, and the reckless driving carries a 90-day sentence in jail. She’ll also have to pay restitution to the victims.” However, Heche has a potential out: “If she pleads, she may be able to get probation and avoid jail time,” the legal analyst explained.
Back in 2001, Heche opened up about her mental health issues in an interview with ABC News, telling the outlet she had suffered abuse at the hands of her family members and also struggled with substance use. Rahmani says that the actor’s “mental health issues aren’t a legal defense, but if she seeks treatment, the judge may consider that as a mitigating factor at sentencing.”
As for the possible DUI? Rahmani explained, “That is another misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail because she only caused property damage to others.” In other words, Heche is facing a very, very long road of both health and possible legal problems ahead.
