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Editor: Bob Battle
Profession: DUI Defense Lawyer

Category: Celebrity DUI

Dawn Wells, who played "Mary Ann" on the 1960s TV sit-com Gilligan's Island, made a 3 for 1 trade in a plea agreement that likely probably kept her from an extended prison term and saved her driver's license.

Wells, 69, was arrested last October in Driggs, Idaho and charged with DUI, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Police found four half-smoked marijuana joints in her car. Wells was returning from a surprise birthday party when stopped.

Wells pleaded guilty to one count of reckless driving and must serve a six-month probation. She was fined $410 and sentenced to five days in jail. Wells' attorney said her friend testified he had left marijuana in Wells' car after using the vehicle that day.

Wells was stopped when a Teton County sheriff's deputy saw Wells' car swerve several times on Idaho State Highway 33.

Wells Stikes Gold on Beauty Pageant Circuit

The Nevada-born Wells played on Gilligan's Island from 1964-67, which ran on the CBS network. She earned a theatre degree from the University of Washington in 1960. A year earlier, she won the Miss Nevada 1959 and competed in the 1960 Miss America Pageant. Before winning the role of "Mary Ann," Wells starred in the television series 77 Sunset Strip, Maverick and Bonanza.

Wells now operates a business making clothing for people with limited mobility. She also acts in local theater and conducts an actors' workshop from her ranch in Driggs. Wells was married to talent agent Larry Rosen from 1962 to 1967.