Will and Grace has been a hit in the US and UK

Will and Grace actress Shelley Morrison has been charged with shoplifting jewellery valued at $446 (�280) from a department store.

Ms Morrison, who plays maid Rosario in the hit sitcom, is accused of stealing from the Robinsons-May shop in Los Angeles.

She faces the lesser misdemeanour charge rather than a felony, which carries a higher maximum penalty.

The 66-year-old actress was arrested on 23 April and was released on $20,000 (�12,550) bail.

Ms Morrison does stand on her impeccable record as a wonderful actress and humanitarian Donald Etra, lawyer

Ms Morrison's lawyer, Donald Etra, said his client was "relieved and gratified that she is not being charged with a felony."

He added: "At this point, she stands innocent."

"Ms Morrison does stand on her impeccable record as a wonderful actress and humanitarian."

No prior record

Ms Morrison is due to appear in court before 14 May to answer the charges.

The Los Angeles City Attorney's Office lodged the misdemeanour against Morrison after the LA County District Attorney's Office declined to bring a felony charge.

It decided not to press charges because the theft was just above the $400 (�250) cut-off for prosecution and Ms Morrison has no prior criminal record.

The City Attorney's Office deals with smaller cases that violate the city's code.

Ms Morrison has played Rosario Salazar McFarland in Will and Grace since 1999.

The comedy about the friendship between gay lawyer Will and straight interior designer Grace, has been a big success in the US and the UK.

In the UK the series is shown on Channel 4.

Ms Morrison is married to writer Walter Dominguez. Her career has spanned four decades and includes appearances in dozens of movies and television shows.