VENTURA, CALIFORNIA – Pop icon Britney Spears avoided a full DUI conviction on May 4 by pleading guilty through her lawyers to a reduced misdemeanor reckless driving charge in Ventura County Superior Court, stemming from a March arrest for erratic high-speed driving in her black BMW.
The 44-year-old singer, who did not attend the hearing as it involved no jail time, was originally charged after California Highway Patrol officers observed clear signs of impairment following reports of dangerous driving north of Los Angeles. Her attorney entered the plea deal, which prosecutors offered due to her low blood alcohol level, lack of accident or injuries, and voluntary rehab entry in April.
Under the agreement, Spears faces 12 months’ summary probation, a $571 fine, 30 hours of DUI education, one day jail credit as time served, random vehicle searches for drugs or alcohol, weekly psychologist visits, and bi-monthly psychiatrist sessions. Her lawyer Michael Goldstein stated she has shown “considerable efforts” for positive change, leading to the charge reduction.