On Thursday, April 30, the Ventura County District Attorney’s office filed a misdemeanor charge against Britney Spears following her March 4 DUI arrest. Earlier this month, she entered a rehab facility with the encouragement of her two sons, Sean Preston and Jayden James. The official charge comes days before the “Toxic” singer is scheduled to be arraigned on Monday, May 4.
Britney Spears Can Potentially Avoid Jail Time In Her DUI Case
Following her misdemeanor charge, officials told PEOPLE magazine that the “Oops!… I Did It Again” singer might be offered what is often often known as a “wet reckless” because she has no prior DUI history. She was also not involved in an accident and had a low blood alcohol level on the time of her arrest.
A “wet reckless” often allows an individual to plead guilty to reckless driving involving drugs and alcohol and be placed on probation for 12 months, with credit for any time spent in custody. The “Lucky” singer was arrested on the night of March 4 and released the next morning, so it’s doubtful she is going to receive credit for time served. She will even be required to finish a DUI class and pay state-mandated fines and charges if she accepts that supply.
Britney Spears’ Sons Were A ‘Big Part’ Of Her Rehab Stay
Officials said that the resolution is “common” when a person “demonstrates self-motivation to handle underlying issues through rehabilitation or a drug and alcohol treatment program.” The “Crossroads” actress voluntarily entered a treatment facility earlier this month ahead of her arraignment.
“Her sons were a giant a part of getting her to rehab. They’ve been clear along with her. They only want her to be healthy,” a source told the publication. “She was very upset and shaken after her arrest. And he or she’s petrified of going to jail. It’s taken weeks for her to appreciate that going to rehab is the very best option.”
Britney Will Not Have To Appear In Person For Her Hearing
Although Spears might be arraigned on May 4, she is going to not need to appear in person because it is a misdemeanor charge. As a substitute, her attorney will appear in person to represent her. A legal expert had previously told PEOPLE magazine that her decision to hunt help would only help bolster her case.
“[Voluntarily seeking treatment] shows the court and prosecutors that the person is taking the situation seriously before they’re ordered to do anything,” said Bobby Taghavi, a managing partner at personal injury law firm Sweet James and former prosecutor within the Orange County District Attorney’s Office who shouldn’t be involved in Spears’ case.
“Judges are inclined to respond higher to proactive accountability than last-minute ‘damage control,’” he added.
Will Britney Spears Lose Her License?
It stays to be seen whether Spears will lose her license, though Taghavi felt it was likely the Princess of Pop wouldn’t need to spend any time behind bars for the incident.
“It’s not a guaranteed shield from custody, [but] most judges view it favorably as mitigation, especially when it’s documented, consistent, and shows real commitment,” he explained. “However the court will still have a look at the underlying facts, and judges prefer proof of participation or completion, not only an announcement.”
He noted that typical DUI cases typically see a four-month or so suspension and explained that while jail is “technically possible,” it’s “often not the centerpiece” of the case. He noted that similar outcomes often include probation, fines, penalties, and DUI school.
Britney Spears’ Rep Called The Incident ‘Completely Inexcusable’
The day after her arrest, a spokesperson for the “Gimme More” singer called her arrest an “unlucky incident” that was “completely inexcusable.”
“Britney goes to take the precise steps and comply with the law and hopefully this might be step one in long overdue change that should occur in Britney’s life. Hopefully, she will be able to get the assistance and support she needs during this difficult time,” the statement read.
It went on to say, “Her boys are going to be spending time along with her. Her family members are going to give you an overdue needed plan to set her up for fulfillment for well being.”
Britney shares sons Sean Preston and Jayden James along with her ex-husband, Kevin Federline. He previously stated through his attorney that he was “comfortable” to see that she was in search of help.