Britney Spears was charged with driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol in California on Thursday, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office said in a news release.
According to the District Attorney’s Office, Spears has been charged with one misdemeanor count of driving under the influence of alcohol and at least one drug.
Hollywood Reporter She reached out to a Spears representative, but did not hear back by press time.
The pop star was arrested on March 4 on a drunken driving charge and was released from jail the next day in Southern California.
“This was an unfortunate and completely unjustified incident,” a Spears representative said. THR After her arrest last month. “Britney will take the right steps and abide by the law, and we hope this is the first step in the long-overdue change that needs to happen in Britney’s life. We hope she can get the help and support she needs during this difficult time. Her children will spend time with her. Her loved ones will make the long-overdue plan to set her up for success for Wellness.”
Earlier this month, it was reported that the “Oops!…I Did It Again” singer voluntarily entered rehab. A trial date has been set for Monday, and because she faces a misdemeanor charge, Spears will not be required to appear in court and her attorney can appear on her behalf, prosecutors said.
Prosecutors also explained that the case will be reviewed following their standard protocol for defendants with no prior history of drunk driving, no road traffic collision or injury and a low blood alcohol level.
“This law allows a defendant to plead guilty to reckless driving involving alcohol and/or drugs,” the District Attorney’s Office said in a news release. “This type of resolution is common, especially when the defendant shows self-motivation to address underlying issues through rehabilitation or a drug and alcohol treatment program. Under this offer, the defendant is placed on probation for 12 months, receives credit for any time spent in custody, is required to complete a class DUI, and must pay fines and fees imposed by the state.”
“This offer will be extended to Ms. Spears on Monday,” the statement concluded.
Spears was released from the court-ordered conservatorship in 2021, after being placed under said conservatorship in 2008. Shortly after her father, Jamie Spears, was removed from his position as conservator of her estate, the pop star thanked her fans and acknowledged the #FreeBritney movement that has drawn attention to her health.
“I have no words. Because of you guys and your continued flexibility in releasing me from conservatorship… my life is now in this direction!!!! I cried last night for 2 hours because my fans are the best and I know it,” Spears wrote on X in 2021.
