Britney Spears has been 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.
Per the DA’s Office, Spears was charged with a single misdemeanor count of driving under the combined influence of alcohol and at least one drug.
The Hollywood Reporter has reached out to a rep for Spears, but did not hear back by the time of publication.
The pop star was arrested on March 4for DUI and released from jail the following day in Southern California.
“This was an unfortunate incident that is completely inexcusable,” a rep for Spears toldTHRfollowing her arrest last month. “Britney is going to take the right steps and comply with the law and hopefully this can be the first step in long overdue change that needs to occur in Britney’s life. Hopefully, she can get the help and support she needs during this difficult time.Her boys are going to be spending time with her. Her loved ones are going to come up with an overdue needed plan to set her up for success for well being.”
Earlier this month, it was reported that the “Oops!…I Did It Again” singer voluntarily entered rehab. Her arraignment has been scheduled for Monday, and because she is facing a misdemeanor charge, Spears will not be required to appear in court and her attorney can make the appearance for her, prosecutors said.
Prosecutors also outlined that the case will be reviewed with follow their standard protocol for defendants that have no prior DUI history, no crash or injury on the road and a low blood-alcohol level.
“This law allows a defendant to plead guilty to reckless driving involving alcohol and/or drugs,” the DA’s office said in a news release. “This type of resolution is common, particularly when a defendant demonstrates self-motivation to address underlying issues through rehabilitation or a drug and alcohol treatment program. Under that offer, a defendant is placed on probation for 12 months, receives credit for any time spent in custody, is required to complete a DUI class, and must pay state-mandated fines and fees.”
“This offer will be extended to Ms. Spears on Monday,” the release concluded.
Spears was freed from a court-directed conservatorship in 2021, after being placed under said conservatorship in 2008. Shortly after her father, Jamie Spears, was removed as conservator of her estate, the pop star thanked her fans and acknowledged the #FreeBritney movement that drew attention to her wellbeing.
“I have no words,” Spears wrote on X in 2021. “Because of you guys and your constant resilience in freeing me from my conservatorship … my life is now in that direction !!!!! I cried last night for two hours cause my fans are the best and I know it.”