David Cassidy will not be sent to jail for his latest DWI, a California judge recently decided. Instead, the former child star will go to rehab for three months to get treatment for alcoholism.

Cassidy, who is best known for playing Keith Partridge on the 1970s hit TV show “The Partridge Family,” will also be on probation for five years as part of his plea agreement that was accepted by a Los Angeles judge this week.

Cassidy’s lawyer admitted that his client had been drunk in January when he made an illegal turn and was arrested and charged with driving under the influence.

It was the second time in six months that the former actor and musician was arrested for driving drunk. The first charge, which occurred in New York, was reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor earlier this month.

Cassidy’s defense lawyer told the Los Angeles judge that Cassidy is committed to getting sober and will be spending more time in rehab that what is required as part of the plea agreement.

Typically, when a person is accused of drunk driving more than once over such a short period of time the punishment is much more severe than what has been applied in Cassidy’s case.

However, the case illustrates how important it is to work with an experienced criminal defense lawyer in order to negotiate a favorable plea agreement or put forth the best possible defense in a DWI case.

Additionally, it illustrates how many judges in drunk driving cases appreciate when suspects admit to having a problem and commit to getting help.

Hopefully, Cassidy is able to use this second chance as an opportunity to get the treatment he needs.

Source: The T and D, “David Cassidy sentenced to rehab in DUI case,” March 24, 2014