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Pop star Britney Spears has been formally charged with driving under the influence in Southern California, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced Thursday.
The 44-year-old was originally arrested in March. Following the incident, Spears voluntarily entered a treatment facility in April at the urging of those close to her. A court hearing for the case has been scheduled for this coming Monday. “Whether or not Ms. Spears will appear at the hearing will be a decision made between her and her attorney,” the Ventura County District Attorney's office said in a statement.
“Since it is a misdemeanor charge, she is not required to attend, and her attorney can make the appearance for her.” With DUI cases, the DA's office said, if there was a low blood alcohol level and no crash or injury, defendants often reach a resolution, particularly when a defendant
demonstrates self-motivation to address underlying issues through rehabilitation or a drug and alcohol treatment program.”
Under that offer, a defendant is placed on probation for 12 months, receives credit for any time spent in custody, is required to complete a DUI class, and must pay state- mandated fines and fees, the DA said in a statement, noting that the ;DUI case will be handled according to our standard protocols.
After the March arrest, a representative for Spears described the incident as “completely inexcusable” and said, “hopefully, this can be the first step in long overdue change that needs to occur in Britney’s life.” The DA did not specify what Spears was alleged to be under the influence of