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DUI charges filed against actor Nick Nolte

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MALIBU, Calif., Oct. 23 (UPI) -- Misdemeanor charges of driving under the influence and being under the influence of a controlled substance were filed against actor Nick Nolte in Malibu Wednesday, according to the Los Angeles District Attorney's office.

Nolte, 61, was arrested on Sept. 11 while driving on Pacific Coast Highway.

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He has been charged with one count of driving under the influence and one count of being under the influence of Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate (GHB), a depressant that acts on the central nervous system. The drug is popular with bodybuilders and dance/club scene regulars.

One of several substances commonly referred to as a "date rape" drug, GHB is sometimes called "Fantasy," "Grievous Bodily Harm" or "liquid Ecstasy."

The Oscar-nominated star of "Affliction" and "The Prince of Tides" was arrested after a California Highway Patrol officer stopped him for speeding. The officer said Nolte "seemed completely out of it ... he was drooling, droopy eyes."

Highway Patrol spokesman Leland Tang told reporters after the arrest that Nolte "looked very much" like he was under the influence.

"We have strong reason to believe there were drugs involved," said Tang at the time.

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Nolte checked himself into Silver Hill Hospital in New Canaan, Conn., on Sept. 14. Other celebrities -- including Billy Joel, Mariah Carey and Diana Ross -- have sought treatment at Silver Hill.

He is scheduled to be arraigned on the charges on Monday, Oct. 28 in Malibu Superior Court. Because the case involves misdemeanor charges, Nolte will not be required to appear at the arraignment.

If convicted on both charges, Nolte faces up to six months in jail.

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