Technology Slice Blog

Nicole Richie Early Probation - Nicole Richie is done with probation early -- sort of -- for a 2006 DUI incident, a judge decided Wednesday. Richie provided proof that she'd completed all that was required of her, her publicist said, including completion of an 18-month alcohol education program. The TV personality and House of Harlow designer had been given until February to wrap it up, though that deadline was an extension granted in June to allow her more time to finish the class. So she's done "early," but only relative to a later end date. Still, it's a key step in her 180-degree life overhaul. Nicole Richie Early Probation Richie was arrested shortly after midnight Dec. 11, 2006 -- stopped in the carpool lane on the Ventura Freeway talking on her cellphone -- by police who were responding to 911 calls that a driver had entered the freeway the wrong way, using an offramp. She admitted smoking pot and taking Vicodin, pleaded guilty and spent 82 minutes o...