Britney Spears has been formally charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, weeks after her arrest in California and subsequent voluntary admission to a rehabilitation facility. The Ventura County District Attorney's Office announced on Thursday that the 44-year-old singer faces a misdemeanor charge for driving under the combined influence of alcohol and drugs.
Spears left the rehab facility on Wednesday evening, having checked herself in voluntarily in early April following the incident. Her court appearance is scheduled for May 4, but the District Attorney's Office indicated she may not need to attend in person, as her attorney can represent her for the misdemeanor charge.
If Spears pleads guilty to reckless driving, she is expected to receive 12 months of probation. Under the terms, she would be required to complete a DUI education class and pay all state-mandated fines and fees. The lenient terms are due to her lack of prior DUI history, the absence of a crash or injury during her arrest, and a low blood alcohol level, according to prosecutors.
Arrest Details
The Toxic singer was arrested on March 5 in California after police observed her driving erratically. Officers reported that Spears showed signs of impairment and failed field sobriety tests. She was alone in her black BMW 430i when she was pulled over and taken to Ventura County Main Jail, northwest of Los Angeles.
A representative for Spears at the time called the incident completely inexcusable, adding that it should ideally be the first step toward long-overdue changes in her life. The statement also noted that her sons would be spending time with her and that loved ones were developing a plan to ensure her well-being.
Post-Rehab Update
Spears has reportedly emerged from rehab healthy and happy. She was photographed for the first time since the incident sitting in the passenger seat of a car in Calabasas, California. A source told Page Six that she is doing really well, feeling positive, and excited to start fresh. The source added that rehab provided a great opportunity for her to ground herself and that she is continuing counseling remotely.
Legal History
In 2007, Spears avoided a criminal hit-and-run trial by paying damages after she was photographed hitting another vehicle while parking in a California lot. She assessed the damage to her own car before walking away.
Recent Career Moves
Her arrest came shortly after she sold part of her back catalog rights to Primary Wave in February for an undisclosed fee. This followed the end of her 13-year conservatorship in 2021, which had controlled her career and finances. Most recently, Spears released a collaboration with Elton John in 2022 and a track with Will.i.am in 2023 titled Mind Your Business.
Career Highlights
Spears has achieved six UK number-one singles and eight UK top-ten albums over her decades-long career. She has collaborated with Madonna, Rihanna, Iggy Azalea, and the Backstreet Boys, among others.
