Amber Portwood Arrested: A History of 'Teen Mom' Star's Trouble With the Law

2017 MTV Video Music Awards - Arrivals
2017 MTV Video Music Awards - Arrivals / Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

Viewers have watched Teen Mom OG star Amber Portwood go through a lot of ups and downs, and while the 29-year-old MTV personality has provided tons of juicy drama during her time on the show, her often toxic behavior hasn’t been as appreciated by the authorities. According to Radar Online, here is brief history of Portwood’s run-ins with the law over the almost 10 years she has been on camera.

1. Jan. 2010

On the first season of Teen Mom, we saw young Portwood slapping and choking her eldest daughter Leah’s father, Gary Shirley. This abuse sustained into Season 2, and eventually caught the attention of Child Protective Services (CPS). After an investigation, CPS agreed that the reality star could keep custody of Leah, but only if she agreed to be monitored for six months, enrolled in adjustment therapy, and complete community service.

2. Dec. 2010

Later that same year, the authorities were far less lenient with the young mom when she was charged with three counts of domestic violence towards Shirley, two of which were felonies. She spent 24 hours in jail and was released on $5,000 bail.

3. Dec. 2011

Exactly a year after her conviction, Portwood was arrested for violating her probation. She had failed to complete a GED and take her anger management classes. She was also found with pills, and refused to take a drug test. Shirley was promptly granted full custody of their daughter.

4. Feb. 2012

A few months after her probation violation, Portwood was sentenced to five years in prison, but because of a deal, was allowed to serve her penance in rehab instead. This unfortunately didn’t work out as well as she hoped. In May, she asked to be transferred to prison, and was sent to Rockville Correctional Facility in June. She was released over one year later for good behavior.

5. July 2019

The now-mom-of-two managed to stay out of legal trouble (but definitely not out of drama) for about seven years before she was arrested for domestic battery charges against her boyfriend and second baby daddy, Andrew Glennon. Portwood allegedly hit Glennon and threatened him with a machete while he held their one-year-old son, James, in his arms. She plead guilty to two felony charges of domestic battery and intimidation, according to the Marion County prosecutor's office.

6. Today

The terms Portwood’s probation for the incident with Glennon include random drug testing at least once a month due to her history of addiction and substance abuse. She will also reportedly be expected to undergo a mental health evaluation and psychological treatment. Due to a no-contact order issued by Glennon for him and their son, Portwood is only permitted to contact her former partner regarding visitation of James.