Richie Sambora was formally charged with DUI on Tuesday, the Orange County, Calif., District Attorney's office announced Tuesday - but he avoided a misdemeanor child endangerment count.

If convicted, the Bon Jovi guitarist faces a maximum penalty of six months in jail. His arraignment is set for May 7.

The Laguna Beach Police had recommended that Sambora be charged with misdemeanor child endangerment, but prosecutors declined to pursue that charge.

Sambora, 48, was arrested in Laguna Beach on March 25 after police spotted him driving unsteadily in a Hummer H2. His blood alcohol level was tested at .13. (The California legal limit is .08).

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