Pop star Britney Spears has been charged with one misdemeanour count of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs following her arrest near her California home in March.
Prosecutors confirmed the charge on Thursday. The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office said Spears, 44, will be offered an opportunity to plead guilty to a lesser charge of reckless driving involving alcohol and/or drugs at a court hearing on Monday.
The office stated this is a common outcome for individuals willing to undergo treatment. If accepted, the plea typically carries a 12-month probation sentence.
A representative for Spears said earlier in March that the singer had voluntarily checked into a rehabilitation facility. Spears is not required to attend Monday’s hearing, as her lawyers can appear on her behalf. A spokesperson for the singer did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Authorities said Spears was arrested after receiving reports of a black BMW travelling erratically at high speed. Officers later located the vehicle and detained her after observing signs of impairment, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Spears rose to global fame with hits including Baby One More Time. She had previously been under a conservatorship that controlled key aspects of her personal and financial life for 13 years. A judge ended the arrangement in 2021 following sustained public pressure from fans under the “Free Britney” campaign.
In 2007, Spears faced separate misdemeanour charges, including hit-and-run causing property damage and driving without a valid California driver’s licence. She was also hospitalised that year for undisclosed mental health issues.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
