What happened to Melissa Rycroft?

Melissa Rycroft, a former reality TV star who won season 13 of The Bachelor, was arrested in September 2023 for driving while intoxicated (DWI). Prosecutors have since filed a criminal complaint against her.

Why was Melissa Rycroft arrested?

Rycroft was arrested for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated and having a blood alcohol concentration level of 0.15 or higher at the time of the incident.

What is the status of Melissa Rycroft's DWI case?

Rycroft's lawyer has asked the public to withhold judgment until all evidence is properly analyzed, as an arrest does not necessarily indicate guilt. A hearing in Rycroft's case is scheduled for next month.

Home / Crime and Justice / Reality TV Star Arrested for DWI, Faces Charges After Alleged Hit-and-Run

Reality TV Star Arrested for DWI, Faces Charges After Alleged Hit-and-Run

27 Oct

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Summary

Former Bachelor contestant Melissa Rycroft arrested for DWI in September 2023
Prosecutors filed criminal complaint for intoxicated driving and high blood alcohol level
Rycroft's lawyer says she is "struggling" and requests public withhold judgment

Reality TV Star Arrested for DWI, Faces Charges After Alleged Hit-and-Run

According to a criminal complaint filed by prosecutors in October 2025, former reality TV star Melissa Rycroft was arrested in September 2023 for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. The 42-year-old is facing charges for having an alcohol concentration level of "0.15 or more" at the time of her blood analysis.

Under Texas law, a first-time DWI offense can result in a mandatory three-day jail sentence and up to 180 days behind bars. Rycroft's arrest came after she was allegedly involved in a hit-and-run incident in Tarrant County, Texas. An eyewitness claimed there was no other vehicle involved, and that Rycroft had been swerving prior to the incident.