Britney Spears took a plea deal in her DUI case during her Monday, May 4, hearing, Us Weekly can confirm.
Spears, 44, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence of medication and alcohol — often known as “wet reckless driving” — on the hearing, which her attorney attended on her behalf.
“Through her plea today, Britney has accepted responsibility for her conduct,” Spears’ attorney, Michael Goldstein, told Us in a press release. “She has taken significant steps to implement positive change which is clearly reflected within the Ventura County District Attorney’s decision to scale back the charge on this case and dismiss the DUI. Britney appreciates this discretion and can be grateful for the outpouring of support she has received.”
As a part of her plea deal, Spears was sentenced to 12 months of probation and at some point in jail, with credit for the time she spent in custody. She can be required to finish a DUI class and pay state-mandated fines and charges of $571.
Moreover, Spears must see a psychologist once per week and a psychiatrist twice a month.
Us previously confirmed that Spears was arrested on March 4 for driving under the influence near her home in California. She was booked at 3:02 a.m. the subsequent morning and released the identical day.
Spears was allegedly seen veering “out and in of lanes,” speeding and “swerving and driving with no tail light” in a black BMW convertible prior to her arrest, in response to 911 audio obtained by Us.
“This was an unlucky incident that is totally inexcusable,” Spears’ rep told Us in a press release after her release from jail. “Britney goes to take the correct steps and comply with the law, and hopefully this may 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 pop star’s spokesperson added, “Her family members are going to provide you with an overdue, needed plan to set her up for fulfillment for well-being.”
Spears’ rep also noted that her sons, Preston, 20, and Jayden, 19 — whom she shares with ex-husband Kevin Federline — could be “spending time along with her” after her release.
Britney Spears‘ family members want the pop star to get help following her arrest for driving under the influence. “I hope this can be a wake-up call for her,” a family source exclusively tells Us Weekly. Spears, 44, was arrested near her home in Ventura County, California, on Wednesday, March 4, at 9:28 p.m., in response to […]
One month later, Spears’ rep told Us that the Grammy winner had voluntarily checked right into a treatment facility.
“Britney went to rehab after several conversations with each of her sons,” an insider exclusively told Us in April. “They expressed concern about her recent behavior and urged her to hunt skilled help, which has been long overdue, to get her back on course. All they’ve ever wanted for his or her mom is health and happiness, even through the years they were estranged. They hope she’ll take it seriously.”
A separate source said that Spears “went in to indicate she is taking it seriously” on the behest of her two children.
Spears’ selection to go in voluntarily and seek treatment was also due partially to her being “very scared about the potential for jail time or another form of significant repercussions,” the primary insider told Us last month, noting she “recognized that getting ahead of things” would “help her case.”
Britney Spears is back on Instagram three weeks after her DUI arrest. Spears, 44, took to the social media site on Friday, March 27, with a video featuring her son Jayden, 19, whom she shares with ex-husband Kevin Federline. (The pair are also parents of son Sean Preston, 20.) The montage featured several clips of […]
While Spears was searching for treatment, Us confirmed on Thursday, April 30, that she was charged with one count of “VC” or “vehicle code section 23152” higher often known as driving under the influence.
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that Spears could be arraigned on Monday but her presence was “not required” as she was facing a misdemeanor charge.
“This DUI case will probably be handled in response to our standard protocols. For defendants with out a prior DUI history, a low blood alcohol level, and where there isn’t any crash or injury, prosecutors typically offer what’s often known as a ‘wet reckless,’” the DA’s office told Us in a press release. “This law allows a defendant to plead guilty to reckless driving involving alcohol and/or drugs.”
Britney Spears was arrested for driving under the influence on March 4. She pleaded guilty to “wet reckless driving” to avoid jail time two months later. Following her March arrest, Spears voluntarily went right into a treatment center in April and was officially charged with a DUI on April 30. That very same month, Spears’ lawyer represented […]
The attorneys’ office explained, “Such a resolution is common, particularly when a defendant demonstrates self-motivation to deal with underlying issues through rehabilitation or a drug and alcohol treatment program.”
Based on the DA’s office, Spears could be “prolonged” the “wet reckless” offer during her hearing. If she accepted the offer, the “Hit Me Baby One More Time” singer could be placed on probation for 12 months.
The defendant would also receive “credit for any time spent in custody” while being required to “complete a DUI class, and must pay state-mandated fines and charges,” per the statement, which was the deal she made on Monday.
In case you or someone you recognize is combating substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).