Pop star Britney Spears has pleaded guilty to reckless driving, after initially facing a more serious charge of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
The singer’s lawyers entered the plea on her behalf, with Spears accepting the lesser charge called ‘wet reckless’ and avoiding jail time.
Spears was reportedly sentenced to 12 months of summary probation and one day in jail, credited as time served, by Ventura County Commissioner Matthew Nemerson.
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She was also fined $US571 and ordered to attend a three-month DUI program, requiring 30 hours of class time.
The 44-year-old was not required to attend proceedings at Ventura County Superior Court in Los Angeles and was not present for the hearing.
Britney Spears pleads guilty to reckless driving in DUI case. Credit: AAPMichael Goldstein (centre), attorney for Britney Spears, speaks during the arraignment of her DUI case at the Ventura County Superior Court in Ventura, California. Credit: AP
In a statement shared with People magazine, the singer’s attorney Michael A. Goldstein said that through her plea, “Britney has accepted responsibility for her conduct”.
“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,” he added.
“Britney appreciates this discretion and is also grateful for the outpouring of support she has received.”
Spears was originally charged with a single count of driving under the influence after California Highway Patrol officers arrested her in March.
Police tracked down Spears and her vehicle following reports of a motorist driving erratically at high speed in a black BMW in Ventura County.
She was taken into custody after officers observed signs of impairment, according to the Highway Patrol at the time.
The singer was released the following day with her representative later describing the “unfortunate incident” as “completely inexcusable”.
Britney Spears has admitted herself into a rehab facility following her recent DUI arrest. Credit: AAP
Following the arrest, Spears voluntarily checked herself into a rehabilitation facility.
Prosecutors had previously indicated the case would be handled in line with standard protocol for defendants with no prior DUI history, no crash or injuries, and a low blood-alcohol level.
Spears was offered what is commonly known as a ‘wet reckless’, which allows a defendant to plead guilty to reckless driving involving alcohol and drugs and undergo 12 months of probation while earning credit for any time spent in custody.
The offer is commonly extended to defendants who demonstrate a willingness to address their issues and seek treatment, the district attorney’s office said.
The arrest and subsequent charges mark another setback for the singer, whose erratic social media activity has sparked concern since her conservatorship ended in 2021.
Just hours after pleading guilty, Spears shared a cryptic post on Instagram.
“Your energy is magnetic, goddess,” the post read, with an attribution to Moon Magic Priestess.
The singer later shared a video from a year ago, showing her twirling before breaking into frantic dance moves.
— With AP, Reuters
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