LOS ANGELES (AP) - For most celebrities, getting smacked with a DUI is an instant image crisis. For Paris Hilton, it could be a career boost.

"Paris Hilton being arrested just makes her more famous," veteran publicist Michael Levine said. "She has devoted her entire adult life to appearing to be the princess of parties."

Hilton was arrested by Los Angeles police officers in Hollywood early yesterday on suspicion of driving under the influence. During the arrest she was briefly handcuffed. Hilton was booked at LAPD's Hollywood station at 1:43 a.m. and released shortly afterward, said Nick Velasquez, a spokesman for the city attorney's office.

Hilton described the arresting officers as "really nice."

This is Hilton's first drunk-driving arrest, Mintz said, adding that he doesn't expect the incident to hurt her image.

"The people who enjoy Paris as a comedian or actress on TV or as a singer on her CD, a woman who seems to have captured the imagination of so many people, I don't know if this is going to have any impact on them one way or another," he said. "But, of course, she regrets what took place."

If charged, Hilton is expected to be arraigned Sept. 28, he said. LAPD officials said they will not release Hilton's arrest report or her mug shot.