Last month, we reported that the singer Britney Spears had been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. Now, Spears has been formally charged with DUI.
Spears Charged With DUI
Spears, 44, was arrested in California on Wednesday, March 4. She was then booked for allegedly driving under the influence. Records obtained by Fox News show that Spears was released the next morning at 6:07 a.m.
Spears was officially charged with DUI on Thursday, April 30. In the filing, the Ventura County District Attorney said that Spears committed the alleged misdemeanor “unlawfully, while under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, drive a vehicle.”
After Spears’ arrest, a representative for the “Oops I Did It Again” singer said that she voluntarily checked herself into a treatment facility. The representative later told People Magazine that the “unfortunate incident” was “completely inexcusable.”
“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 rep said. “Her boys are going to be spending time with her. Her loved ones are going to come up with an overdue needed plan to set her up for success for well being.”
Spears shares sons Sean Preston, 20, and Jayden James, 19, with her ex-husband Kevin Federline.
An insider told People that after the arrest, “people close to Britney encouraged her to seek treatment.”
“She understands the seriousness of her situation and felt this was the best step moving forward,” the source continued. “She’s now seeking treatment.”
Spears ‘Embarrassed’ By Arrest
Immediately after Spears’ DUI arrest, a source close to her said that the singer was feeling “very emotional and regretful” about the situation.
“She’s very emotional and regretful this morning. She’s also embarrassed because of how it could affect her sons,” the insider concluded. “She loves them very much and never wants them to feel like she’s letting them down.”
Another insider emphasized that Spears chose to go to rehab herself in an attempt to change her life for the better.
“This was her own choice,” that source told Page Six. “This isn’t about one substance in particular, it has a dual purpose. This is about Britney putting her mental health first and taking some time for herself to focus on the things that are important to her.”
“She’s dedicated to working on her health,” the insider later added. “This is something she really wants to do for herself. This was her own decision.”
Meanwhile, the source went on to say that Spears’ family is supportive of her decision to go to rehab.
“Everyone just wants Britney to be healthy and in a good place and the fact that this was her decision just proves how dedicated she is to her own recovery and getting herself back on solid ground,” the insider added.
Spears is next expected to appear in court on May 4. Only time will tell how this all turns out for her.