On August 5, 2004, McCready was arrested in Tennessee for using a fake prescription to buy the painkiller OxyContin. Although she initially denied the charge, she finally pleaded guilty on November 29, 2004 and was fined $4,000, sentenced to three years probation, and ordered to perform 200 hours of community service.[1][2]
Two days later, on May 8, McCready’s ex-boyfriend and aspiring country singer, Billy McKnight, allegedly broke into her house and beat and choked her. He was charged with attempted murder and aggravated burglary. [3]
In July 2005, McCready was charged in Arizona with identity theft, attempted fraudulent scheme and artifices, unlawful imprisonment, hindering prosecution and unlawful use of transportation. Police said she and a man stole a truck and forced a woman to accompany them against her will. McCready's lawyer claimed that she was in the process of helping authorities catch an alleged con artist who had bilked her and 35 other celebrities when the charges were filed. [4] [5]
On August 10, 2005, an arrest warrant was issued for McCready for violation of her probation when she left Tennessee without permission from her probation officer. McCready was also charged with not reporting to her probation officer during July. [6] She was finally arrested in Florida on August 26 and returned to Tennessee.
On September 19, 2005 during a court appearance in Tennessee to appeal terms of her bail, she confirmed that the July 22 drug overdose in Florida was a suicide attempt. She added that the attempt came after learning she was pregnant with McKnight's baby. [7]
Just four days later, on September 23, McCready was again hospitalized after overdosing on antidepressants after arguing with McKnight over their unborn baby.[8][9]
On July 19, 2006, a jury of 12 found McCready not guilty of driving under the influence, but found her guilty on the charge of driving on a suspended license. [10]
On July 21, 2007 McCready was arrested in Ft. Myers, Florida. She was charged with battery and resisting arrest for apparent scuffle with her mother.[11]
She was released from jail on December 30, 2007.[12]
