Pop star Britney Spears has been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, according to prosecutors in Ventura County, California.
The misdemeanor charge stems from an arrest in early March. Prosecutors did not specify which substance Spears was allegedly using at the time.
Spears, 44, is scheduled to be arraigned on May 4 in a Ventura County courtroom. Officials said she is not required to appear in person and may be represented by her attorney because the charge is a misdemeanor.
In a statement following the arrest, a representative for Spears described the incident as “completely inexcusable” and said she would comply with legal requirements. Spears has since entered a rehabilitation program.
Prosecutors indicated that Spears may be offered a plea deal, a common option in cases involving no prior convictions, no injuries, and defendants who voluntarily seek treatment. Under such an agreement, the charge could be reduced to reckless driving involving alcohol or drugs.
If accepted, the plea deal would likely include 12 months of probation, a court-ordered driver safety course, and a fine, according to prosecutors. They said the offer is expected to be presented at her arraignment.
Spears rose to fame in the late 1990s with hits such as “…Baby One More Time” and has remained a prominent figure in pop culture, though she has been less active musically in recent years.
