Britney Spears has been charged with driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, a misdemeanor, according to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office.
On Thursday, prosecutors filed a misdemeanor DUI charge against the “Toxic” hitmaker, saying he drove under the combined influence of alcohol and drugs. He did not specify what drugs the pop star was accused of taking.
Arraignment is scheduled for Monday. Spears is not required to attend the hearing.
According to the District Attorney’s Office, if a defendant has no prior DUI history and the incident did not involve a high blood alcohol level, no accident or injury, prosecutors typically seek what is known as “wet reckless” — or offer a plea deal where the charge is reduced to reckless driving with a note that alcohol or drugs were involved.
“This type of resolution is common, especially when a defendant demonstrates self-motivation to address underlying issues through rehabilitation or a drug and alcohol treatment program,” the DA’s office said. “Under that proposal, 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.”
The offer will be extended to Spears on Monday, according to the district attorney’s office.
Last month, Spears was arrested by the California Highway Patrol in Westlake Village. The 44-year-old singer was pulled over by the CHP while driving a black BMW 430i after dispatchers received a report of the vehicle being driven erratically and at a high speed. Spears was alone.
She was booked the next morning and, according to a law enforcement source, Spears’ blood was taken at Los Robles Regional Medical Center. A source told The Times that a substance was also found in the car that night and the vehicle was searched again the next morning at Roy’s Towing in Thousand Oaks.
“This was an unfortunate incident that is completely inexcusable,” a representative for Spears told The Times in a statement last month. “Britney is going to do the right thing and follow the law and hopefully this can be the first step towards a long overdue change in Britney’s life. Hopefully she can get the support she needs during this difficult time.”
“Her boys will be spending time with her,” the statement continued. “Her loved ones are about to come up with a much-needed plan to set her up for success and well-being.”
Spears later voluntarily checked herself into a treatment facility, a representative for Spears confirmed.
Christy D’Zurilla and Richard Winton contributed to this report.
