Britney Spears arrested on drunk driving charges in California
Grammy-winning pop star Britney Spears was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving in Ventura County and released shortly after an early morning traffic stop.
Britney Spears has been charged with misdemeanor DUI, nearly two months after she was arrested for allegedly driving “erratically” on a Southern California highway.
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced April 30 that he had been charged with one misdemeanor count of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Prosecutors allege that Spears “unlawfully operated a vehicle while under the influence of alcoholic beverages and drugs.”
The singer is scheduled to be arraigned in Ventura County Superior Court on May 4, but it is unclear whether she will attend in person, as the charge is a misdemeanor and she is allowed to be represented by an attorney.
Spears will have the opportunity to “plead guilty to reckless driving, also known as reckless driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs (‘reckless recklessness’),” a spokeswoman for the prosecutor’s office said. This is one of the “standard protocols” for “defendants with no history of drunk driving, low blood alcohol levels, and no crashes or injuries.” Under the resolution, Spears will be placed on probation for 12 months, during which time she will be required to complete a DUI course and pay state-mandated fines and fees.
USA TODAY has reached out to Spears’ representatives for comment.
A few weeks ago, on April 12, Spears’ rep confirmed that the 44-year-old pop star had “voluntarily entered a treatment facility.”
A California Highway Patrol spokesperson told USA TODAY on March 6 that Spears was arrested on March 4 on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs after she “exhibited signs of impairment and underwent a series of field sobriety tests.”
According to the CHP, Spears was driving a black BMW 430i “erratically” at a high rate of speed on a Ventura County highway. She is scheduled to appear in court on May 4.
Britney Spears’ life change ‘long overdue’: spokesperson
In a March 6 statement to USA TODAY, a spokesperson for Spears called the arrest a “totally unacceptable and unfortunate incident.”
“Britney intends to take the right steps and abide by the law, and we hope this is the first step in the long-awaited changes that should occur in Britney’s life,” the statement said.
“We hope she gets the help and support she needs during this difficult time,” Spears’ spokesperson added. “Her sons will be spending time with her. Her loved ones will be making necessary plans that are overdue to help her succeed and be happy.”
Spears has two children, Sean (20) and Jaden (19), with ex-husband Kevin Federline.
Contributors: Edward Segarra and Taijuan Moorman
If you or someone you know needs help battling substance abuse addiction, please contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
