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Britney Spears charged with misdemeanor DUI
Britney Spears at a movie premiere in 2019. She was charged with misdemeanor DUI on Thursday following her arrest in Ventura County in March.
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Valerie Macon
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Getty Images
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Topline:
Britney Spears has been charged with a misdemeanor count of driving under the combined influence of alcohol and at least one drug. The criminal complaint does not mention what kind of alcohol or drugs, or how much, she's accused of being under the influence of on the night of her arrest.
The backstory: Spears was arrested March 4 after California Highway Patrol pulled her over for speeding and driving erratically in her black BMW on the 101 freeway near her home. According to CHP, she appeared to be impaired, took field sobriety tests and was arrested on suspicion of DUI. She was taken to Ventura County jail and released on bail the next morning. About a month after her arrest, Spears' representatives say the singer checked herself into a substance abuse treatment program.
What's next: Spears is scheduled to be arraigned Monday, although prosecutors say because it's a misdemeanor charge she won't have to appear in court in person. The Associated Press reports Spears will be offered what's called a "wet reckless" when she appears. It would allow her to plead guilty and get a year of probation, credit for any time served, a required DUI class and some fines and fees. It's a common offer for defendants who demonstrate that they want to get help and address their problems.
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