American singer Britney Spears has been charged with driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol in Ventura County, California, per pagesix.com.
Prosecutors filed the misdemeanor charge on Thursday following the 44-year-old’s arrest in March. The announcement comes shortly after the pop star voluntarily checked into a rehabilitation facility to address substance abuse and mental health concerns.
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that Spears is scheduled for arraignment on 4 May. As the charge is a misdemeanor, the singer is not legally required to attend the hearing in person.
Legal experts suggest that for defendants without a prior record or involvement in a collision, prosecutors may offer a “wet reckless” plea deal. This arrangement typically involves 12 months of probation, state-mandated fines and the completion of a DUI education programme.
The charges stem from an incident on March 4 when authorities detained Spears after observing her vehicle swerving between lanes. Investigating officers reportedly discovered an unidentified substance in the car and alleged the singer was under the influence of a combination of substances at the time.
Following the arrest, Spears entered a treatment centre on April 12. Sources close to the family described the move as a personal decision aimed at prioritising her long-term health and stability. Her adult sons, Sean Preston, 20, and Jayden James, 19, are reportedly supporting her recovery process.
This legal development is a significant moment for Spears, whose private life and health have been under intense public and media scrutiny for over two decades. The move to seek voluntary treatment suggests a proactive approach to her recovery amidst these latest legal challenges.
