Charges dropped against actor Randy Quaid

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KABC) -- Randy Quaid won't have to worry about any more court appearances after prosecutors dropped felony charges against the actor.

Quaid's wife Evi, however, wasn't as lucky. She will be on probation for three years after she pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor count of defrauding an innkeeper. She also will have to perform 240 hours of community service. She says that in the past bills were mailed to her.

"I understand it is different and you must -- as the judge said, 'Settle the bill before you leave the hotel.' That is my future plan to always do that," said Mrs. Quaid.

According to their attorney, the Hollywood couple are "pleased with the disposition."

The couple had been charged with defrauding an innkeeper of more than $10,000 as well as conspiracy and burglary after an invalid credit card was used at San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito.

An invalid card also was used at The Biltmore where they ran up a $500 bill.

Prosecutors had a strong circumstantial case against Randy Quaid, but his wife was more involved with the transactions in question so charges were dropped against the actor, according to Senior Deputy District Attorney Arnie Tolks.

"He really had very little to do with the ongoing negotiations and the attempts by the hotel to get payment," Tolks said, adding both businesses had been repaid.

The Quaids brought piles of papers to court on Wednesday to show that they eventually paid their tab.

"It was just a miscommunication. It was never anything that we willfully did," said Mar. Quaid. "We are not stupid people."

The case was filed back in September. The couple missed several court appearances and were briefly jailed Monday after they showed up in court two weeks after missing their last scheduled hearing.

"We had something in our head that we weren't required to be in court. We don't know the law that well," said Mr. Quaid.

The court has ordered the Quaids to stay away from San Ysidro Ranch and The Biltmore.

Quaid is best-known for supporting roles in films such as "Independence Day" and "National Lampoon's Vacation." He is the oldest brother of actor Dennis Quaid.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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