Jessica Simpson and dad Joe Simpson. (WENN.COM photos)

Jessica Simpson's father has avoided a potential prison sentence by pleading no contest to a drink-driving charge.

Former minister Joe Simpson, 54, was arrested in August on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) after his car was stopped by police at a checkpoint in Sherman Oaks, California.

He initially entered a not guilty plea to the DUI charge, which left him facing up to a year behind bars if convicted, but he has now backtracked after striking a deal with prosecutors.

Simpson's lawyer, Shawn Holley, attended a hearing at a Los Angeles court on Tuesday to enter a no contest plea on her client's behalf.

Under the terms of the deal, Simpson will be sentenced to three years probation and a fine, and he will also be ordered to attend an alcohol education class, according to TMZ.com.