Nicole Richie is hoping her pregnancy will keep her out of prison, according to US reports.

It has been claimed that the socialite and The Simple Life star is expecting her first child with rocker boyfriend Joel Madden.

“Nicole is kind of hoping her pregnancy will keep her out of jail,” a pal told the New York Post.

Richie faces a spell behind bars after she admitted driving her car under the influence of painkillers and marijuana.

A representative for Richie did not return calls.

Source: Ninemsn.com.au