The pop star was previously arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence on March 4.

Britney Spears officially charged with DUI

The pop star was previously arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence on March 4.

By Wesley Stenzel

Wesley Stenzel

Wesley Stenzel is a news writer at **. He began writing for EW in 2022.

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on April 30, 2026 5:10 p.m. ET

Britney Spears in New York City on Aug. 28, 2016. Credit:

Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage

- Britney Spears was officially charged with driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol in Ventura County, Calif.

- The singer was previously arrested on suspicion of a DUI on March 4.

- The musician may avoid jail time if she pleads guilty to a "wet reckless."

Britney Spears has been charged with driving under the influence.

The "Toxic" singer was officially charged with one misdemeanor count of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol on Thursday, the Ventura County District Attorney's office tells **.

Spears was previously arrested on March 4 on suspicion of driving under the influence. She was taken into custody by California Highway Patrol in Ventura County, Calif., around 9:30 p.m., according to sheriff's office arrest records. Spears was later booked and released at 6 a.m. on March 5.

Britney Spears.

Britney Spears/Instagram

A representative for the Ventura County DA tells EW that officials will offer Spears a "wet reckless" deal because she does not have a prior DUI history, she had a low blood alcohol level, and there was no crash or injury in the incident. A wet reckless typically allows a defendant to plead guilty to reckless driving involving alcohol and/or drugs without having to serve jail time, instead serving 12 months of probation with credit for any time spent in custody.

Wet reckless agreements also typically mandate that the individual complete a DUI class and pay state-mandated fines and fees.

Spears will be arraigned on Monday, May 4, at 9 a.m. at Ventura County Superior Court.

EW* *has reached out to a representative for Spears for comment.

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A representative for Spears previously responded to the musician's arrest in a statement.

"This was an unfortunate incident that is 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," the rep said at the time. "Hopefully, she can get the help and support she needs during this difficult time."

Britney Spears. Phillip Faraone/FilmMagic

Earlier this month, Spears' representative confirmed that the singer had voluntarily checked into rehab.

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Spears herself has not directly commented on the incident. However, she shared a video of herself hanging out with her son with a caption expressing appreciation for her fans a few weeks after her arrest.

"Thank you guys for all your support… spending time with family and friends is such a blessing!" Spears wrote on Instagram last month. "Stay kind!"

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