Could This Help Her DUI Case?

In a truly sad turn of events, not just because of what happened but because of how people seemed to be rushing to say they saw it coming, Amanda Bynes was arrested for a DUI on Sunday. According to initial reports, Bynes was arrested on a misdemeanor and taken to the police station before being released on bail the same day. Bynes has been doing so much better these days that it was absolutely tragic to hear about this happening to her, especially when later reporters began to paint her as erratic and unreliable even after her rehabilitation. However, TMZ has allegedly found out some information that might help with her case. According to their sources, Bynes was under the influence of Adderall when she was arrested, a drug that had been prescribed to her by a doctor.

Whether or not the drug one is under the influence of is prescribed has no effect on a DUI because driving under the influence is still driving under the influence, but this, TMZ reports, at least makes this more than just a case of reckless driving. After all, drinking and driving or taking illegal recreational drugs and then driving are a completely different situation than taking a prescription drug. Of course, the two cases are exactly the same if Bynes has been abusing Adderall, but if it's a case of an accidental overdose then she might be in the clear for violating her probation at least.

The fact of the matter is, I'm inclined to give Bynes the benefit of the doubt. Despite people racing forward now to say that she's been wild and out of control ever since her parents' conservatorship over her ended in early September, Bynes has been doing nothing but putting her best foot forward publicly for a while now. Her parents let the conservatorship expire because they could see that Bynes was doing a lot better, so I want to believe for her sake and theirs that this was an accidental lapse in judgment rather than an indication that she is slipping.

Quite honestly, I think she's more than earned our trust until we get more details about the incident. She took her treatment very seriously and was even brave enough to share pictures of Bynes smiling during her recovery on social media — which is notoriously something people in recovery should avoid, especially when you're as famous and making as many headlines as Bynes was. She has been making amazing progress and while it's disappointing to see her slip like this, I will give her the benefit of the doubt that there's more to the story than we're getting. And, even if there isn't, I will give her the benefit of the doubt that this is the wake up call she needs to ask for more help.