6:10 PM PT -- Melissa's lawyer Bret Martin tells TMZ ... "I want to remind the public of the fundamental principle of our justice system…every individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty. We, as a society, have gotten completely away from this fundamental concept. My Client was arrested  on the allegation of Driving While Intoxicated. An arrest is no indication of guilt."

He continues ... "It is imperative that we closely examine the circumstances of this case-including the conduct of law enforcement, the toxicology results, and the facts surrounding her arrest-before any conclusions are drawn. We respectfully request that the media and the public allow the legal process to unfold, and withhold any judgment whatsoever until all of the evidence has been properly analyzed and presented in a court of law."

Melissa Rycroft was arrested for driving while intoxicated this month ... TMZ has learned.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... the former 'Bachelor' star was busted for DWI in the Dallas/Fort Worth area on September 23. We're told she was taken into custody and booked into the local jail, where she sat for 8 hours before being released. She posted a $1,000 bond with a promise to appear in court.

The exact details of her arrest remain unclear at this point, but what is clear .. she's now facing a court date in connection with the charge.

Melissa is a former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader who shot to fame on season 13 of "The Bachelor," competing for Jason Mesnick's heart. She later hit the ballroom on "Dancing with the Stars" and went on to host reality shows like "Bachelor Pad."

We've reached out to Melissa for comment ... so far, no word back.