Richie drink-driving trial delayed

Nicole Richie has won a delay in her drunken driving case.

Superior Court Commissioner Steven Lubell yesterday set a new date of July 11 at the request of a defence lawyer.

It means the trial could start on that date or within the following 10 days, said Jane Robison, a spokeswoman for prosecutors.

Socialite Richie, the 25-year-old daughter of pop singer Lionel Richie, was arrested on December 11.

She pleaded not guilty in February to driving under the influence (DUI).

In addition to the single count, the case contains an allegation that Richie had a prior DUI conviction in June 2003.

The California vehicle code says if convicted of DUI twice within 10 years, a person can be sentenced to between 90 days and a year in jail and have his or her driving privileges suspended.

Richie stars in 'The Simple Life' reality show on E! Entertainment Television with Paris Hilton, who is currently serving a jail sentence for violating her probation in an alcohol-related reckless driving case.