Nolte charged with 'date rape' drug-driving
Oscar-nominated actor Nick Nolte has been charged with driving under the influence of a "date rape" drug.
Two misdemeanour charges, including one count of being under the influence of the drug known as GHB, were filed against the star.
The charges follow Nolte's arrest in California last month when he was stopped for driving erratically on the Pacific Coast Highway.
Nolte checked himself into a substance abuse centre a few days afterwards.
The actor is due to be arraigned in Malibu Superior Court on Monday but does not have to be present in court.
He is charged with one count of driving under the influence and one count of being under the influence of Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate.
Known as GHB, the illegal substance is described as a club drug which depresses the central nervous system and gives the user a sense of euphoria.
It is also known as a "date rape" drug which, like the substance Rohypnol, is used by potential attackers to sedate their victims.
Last month, Nolte, 61, checked into Silver Hill Hospital in Connecticut. The same hospital recently treated singers Billy Joel and Diana Ross.
At the time of his arrest on September 11, Nolte was seen swerving into oncoming highway lanes by California Highway Patrol officers conducting an unrelated traffic stop.
