Erin Brockovich Arrested for DUI; The Environmental Activist Claims 'No Public Harm' Was Inflicted

Erin Brockovich-Ellis, the Environmental activist, has been arrested for boating under the influence on Lake Mead, near Las Vegas, in Nevada on Friday.

According to a news release sent out by authorities, the 52-year-old legal was arrested by a Nevada Department of Wildlife game warden after he watched Brockovich-Ellis struggle to dock her boat at the Las Vegas Boat Harbor.

The released statement also noted that the violator showed "several signs" of being intoxicated.

"She was not sure how to maneuver the boat into the dock," Nevada Department of Wildlife spokesman Edwin Lyngar explained to The Associated Press. "It's a simple thing if you can think clearly. But if you add alcohol and unfamiliarity of the area, it can all cause serious problems."

The spokesman noted that Brockovich-Ellis' blood alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit of .08 percent.

She was booked into the Clark County Detention Centre immediately after the arrest where she posted a $1,000 bail.

In response to the buzz created by the activist's actions, Brockovich-Ellis released an apology today. According to AP, she claims that she was not operating the boat in open waters.

"At no time was the boat away from the dock and there was no public safety risk," her statement read. "That being said, I take drunk driving very seriously, this was clearly a big mistake, I know better and I am very sorry."

Under the Nevada law, first time DUI boating offenders will be slapped with a $1,000 to $2,000 fine but without jail time. AP however noted that it was unclear if it was Erin's first DUI arrest.

Erin Brockovich became famous after a film her legal battle against Pacific Gas & Electric was shot and screened across the globe in 2000. Portrayed by Julia Roberts, where she won a Best Actress trophy at the Academy Awards, the film showed how Erin started a legal battle against the corporation over water pollution without any legal training.