Haley Pullos, the former star of the popular soap opera “General Hospital,” has been released from jail after serving a three-month sentence for a DUI crash that left another driver severely injured. Pullos, who is now 26 years old, was released from custody on July 29, 2024, following her sentencing in a Los Angeles County court.
The incident that led to her arrest occurred on April 29, 2023, when Pullos drove the wrong way on the 134 Freeway in Pasadena. This reckless decision resulted in a head-on collision with another vehicle, causing significant injuries to the other driver, Courtney Wilder. At the time of the crash, Pullos had a blood alcohol level of 0.25%, which is more than three times the legal limit. Investigators also discovered edible marijuana wrappers and mini tequila bottles in her car.
During her release hearing, Judge Terry Smerling issued a stern warning to Pullos, emphasizing the serious consequences she would face if she were to cause another DUI accident that resulted in death. As part of a plea deal, Pullos pleaded no contest to one felony DUI charge. In exchange, two additional charges—a felony DUI and a misdemeanor hit-and-run—were dismissed.
The terms of her sentence included three months in jail, five years of probation, 200 hours of community service, and a nine-month alcohol education program. Additionally, she is required to undergo mandatory mental health treatment and has had her driver’s license suspended for one year. The court also ordered Pullos to pay $8,260 in restitution to Wilder for the injuries sustained in the crash.
After her release, Pullos was seen leaving the Pasadena courthouse in a black paper jail release suit, where she was greeted by family members, including actress Nancy Lee Grahn, who portrayed her mother on “General Hospital.” The actress has not returned to her role since the accident, with Holiday Mia Kriegel temporarily filling in for her character, Molly Lansing-Davis.
In the aftermath of the crash, Wilder filed a civil lawsuit against Pullos, seeking damages for negligence. Pullos’ legal team has denied the allegations and requested the dismissal of the lawsuit. Following the incident, Pullos entered a rehabilitation facility and took a step back from her acting career to focus on her recovery.
The crash was particularly severe, with both Pullos and Wilder requiring hospitalization. Firefighters had to use the jaws of life to extricate Pullos from her mangled vehicle. Reports indicate that Pullos had been involved in an earlier hit-and-run incident before the collision on the freeway.
Initially, Pullos faced multiple charges, including two felony counts of DUI and a misdemeanor for hit-and-run. However, she later reached a plea agreement with the district attorney’s office, which allowed her to plead no contest to one DUI charge while the other charges were dropped.
Pullos has been a part of “General Hospital” since 2009, when she began portraying Molly Lansing-Davis at the age of 10. Over the years, she has appeared in nearly 500 episodes and received a Daytime Emmy nomination in 2015. However, her involvement in the show came to an abrupt halt following the accident, and she has not returned to the role since.
As part of her rehabilitation process, Pullos has expressed gratitude for the court’s leniency in her sentencing, acknowledging her remorse and the progress she has made in her sobriety. Her attorney, Dan Melnick, has stated that Pullos is committed to fulfilling the terms of her probation and community service requirements.
The incident has sparked discussions about the dangers of driving under the influence and the importance of accountability for one’s actions. Pullos’ case serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of impaired driving, not only for the individual involved but also for innocent victims on the road.
As she moves forward from this challenging chapter in her life, Pullos is focused on her recovery and the steps necessary to rebuild her life and career. The support of her family and friends, along with her commitment to sobriety, will play a crucial role in her journey ahead.
Source: Various news outlets
