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Pop star faces misdemeanor charge
California prosecutors have formally charged Britney Spears with driving under the influence following her arrest last month on a southern California highway. The 44-year-old singer is accused of operating her BMW at high speed and in an erratic manner on March 4.
Arrest details and legal proceedings
The Ventura County District Attorney's Office filed a single misdemeanor count against Spears on Thursday. The charge stems from allegations that she was under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs while behind the wheel.
Spears' arraignment is set for next Monday, though she is not required to appear in person due to the minor nature of the charge. Her legal team will determine whether she attends, according to prosecutors.
Potential penalties and next steps
Joey Buttitta, a spokesperson for the district attorney's office, stated that defendants in similar cases-where no crash or injuries occur and there is no prior record-typically avoid jail time. Instead, they are often allowed to plead guilty to a lesser charge of reckless driving involving alcohol or drugs.
If convicted, Spears could face 12 months of probation, mandatory completion of a DUI education program, and payment of fines and fees. Prosecutors have indicated they will offer her this alternative resolution.
Spears' response and personal context
Following her arrest, Spears voluntarily entered a rehabilitation facility. Her representatives described the incident as "completely inexcusable" in a statement to the BBC.
"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 her life. Hopefully, she can get the help and support she needs during this difficult time."
Spears' representative
The statement also noted that Spears' two sons would spend time with her and that her loved ones were developing a plan to support her well-being moving forward.
Background on Spears' career and legal history
Spears rose to global fame in the late 1990s with hits like Baby One More Time, Toxic, and Gimme More. She is widely regarded as one of the most successful pop stars of all time.
From 2008 until 2021, Spears was under a conservatorship-a legal arrangement in which her father controlled her finances and personal decisions. The arrangement drew significant public scrutiny and sparked the #FreeBritney movement before it was terminated.
