Paris Hilton has used her MySpace site to post a blog urging visitors to sign an online petition that asks authorities for leniency regarding her drink driving conviction.

The petition, which was set up by a Hilton supporter, calls on California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to terminate her jail sentence.

Hilton was charged in Los Angeles with driving under the influence and sentenced to 45 days in Century Regional Detention Facility in California beginning on 5 June.

The petition claims Hilton provides "beauty and excitement to our otherwise mundane lives."

"We do not support drunk driving or DUI charges. Paris should have been sober. But she shouldn't go to jail, either," the petition continues.

Those who have signed the petition also claim that the sentence is unfair and was given to put the dangers of drink driving into the public eye. The petition has received almost 12,000 signatures so far.

In addition to the petition, Hilton's lawyers said that they will appeal the decision. The online petition is yet to be reviewed by the governor's office.