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 drugs and alcohol — known as “wet reckless driving” — at 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 statement. “She has taken significant steps to implement positive change which is clearly reflected in the Ventura County District Attorney’s decision to reduce the charge in this case and dismiss the DUI. Britney appreciates this discretion and is also grateful for the outpouring of support she has received.”
As part of her plea deal, Spears was sentenced to 12 months of probation and one day in jail, with credit for the time she spent in custody. She is also required to complete a DUI class and pay state-mandated fines and fees of $571.
Additionally, Spears must see a psychologist once a 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 next morning and released the same day.
Spears was allegedly seen veering “in and out of lanes,” speeding and “swerving and driving with no tail light” in a black BMW convertible prior to her arrest, according to 911 audio obtained by Us.
“This was an unfortunate incident that is completely inexcusable,” Spears’ rep told Us in a statement after her release from jail. “Britney is going to take the right steps and comply with the law, and hopefully this can be the first step in long overdue change that needs to occur in Britney’s life. Hopefully, she can get the help and support she needs during this difficult time.”
The pop star’s spokesperson added, “Her loved ones are going to come up with an overdue, needed plan to set her up for success for well-being.”
Spears’ rep also noted that her sons, Preston, 20, and Jayden, 19 — whom she shares with ex-husband Kevin Federline — would be “spending time with her” after her release.
One month later, Spears’ rep told Us that the Grammy winner had voluntarily checked into a treatment facility.
“Britney went to rehab after several conversations with both of her sons,” an insider exclusively told Us in April. “They expressed concern about her recent behavior and urged her to seek professional help, which has been long overdue, to get her back on track. All they’ve ever wanted for their mom is health and happiness, even during the years they were estranged. They hope she’ll take it seriously.”
A separate source said that Spears “went in to show she is taking it seriously” at the behest of her two children.
Spears’ choice to go in voluntarily and seek treatment was also due in part to her being “very scared about the possibility of jail time or some other form of serious repercussions,” the first insider told Us last month, noting she “recognized that getting ahead of things” would “help her case.”
While Spears was seeking treatment, Us confirmed on Thursday, April 30, that she was charged with one count of “VC” or “vehicle code section 23152” better known as driving under the influence.
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that Spears would be arraigned on Monday but her presence was “not required” as she was facing a misdemeanor charge.
“This DUI case will be handled according to our standard protocols. For defendants without a prior DUI history, a low blood alcohol level, and where there is no crash or injury, prosecutors typically offer what is known as a ‘wet reckless,’” the DA’s office told Us in a statement. “This law allows a defendant to plead guilty to reckless driving involving alcohol and/or drugs.”
The attorneys’ office explained, “This type of resolution is common, particularly when a defendant demonstrates self-motivation to address underlying issues through rehabilitation or a drug and alcohol treatment program.”
According to the DA’s office, Spears would be “extended” the “wet reckless” offer during her hearing. If she accepted the offer, the “Hit Me Baby One More Time” singer would 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 fees,” per the statement, which was the deal she made on Monday.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
