Prosecutors in California have filed a criminal charge against Britney Spears following her arrest last month for allegedly driving under the influence (DUI).
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office filed the case on Thursday, charging the pop star with one count of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Spears, was arrested on March 4 on a southern California highway after authorities said she was driving her BMW “erratically at a high rate of speed”.
And her legal representatives have called the incident “completely inexcusable.”
The singer’s court hearing is scheduled for next Monday morning, though she does not need to attend in person as it is a minor charge.
“Whether or not Spears will appear at the hearing will be a decision made between her and her attorney,” the district attorney’s office said.
According to the prosecutor’s office, such charges typically carry no jail time when there is no crash or injury from the incident and no history of similar offences.
Prosecutors usually allow defendants to plead guilty to a lesser charge of reckless driving involving alcohol or drugs.
This option will be offered to Spears, said Joey Buttitta, from the district attorney’s office. Defendants usually receive 12 months’ probation and must complete a DUI class, as well as pay fines and fees.
Following the arrest, Britney Spears reportedly checked herself into a rehabilitation treatment facility.
Her representative told the BBC at that time, “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.”
