Britney Spears charged with DUI in California
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Britney Spears arrested for DUI in Ventura County
Britney Spears has been arrested for alleged DUI in Southern California.
LOS ANGELES - Britney Spears is facing a single misdemeanor count of driving under the influence of a combination of alcohol and drugs.
What we know:
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office filed the formal charge against the 44-year-old pop star on Thursday, specifically citing the combined influence of alcohol and at least one drug.
The incident took place on March 4, when California Highway Patrol (CHP) pulled Spears over on the 101 Freeway in Newbury Park.
According to the CHP, Spears displayed signs of impairment and failed a series of field sobriety tests at the scene.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE:
- Britney Spears arrested for alleged DUI in California
- LISTEN: Britney Spears arrest dispatch audio released
- TMZ: Britney Spears fired sobriety coaches before DUI arrest
Spears was booked into a Ventura County jail and released on bail the following day.
Her legal team and representatives have described the incident as "completely inexcusable" and confirmed that the singer voluntarily checked into a substance abuse treatment facility about one month after the arrest.
What we don't know:
The specific nature and quantity of the drugs or alcohol involved have not been disclosed in the criminal complaint.
It's unclear which specific substance triggered the "combined influence" charge, as the results of the chemical toxicology tests remain part of the non-public investigative file.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Britney Spears dispatch audio released
Singer Britney Spears was arrested in Ventura County for suspected DUI after being spotted speeding and weaving in her BMW; she was released Thursday morning.
What they're saying:
A representative for Spears previously issued a statement calling her actions "the first step in long overdue change that needs to occur in Britney’s life."
While her team has not provided a new comment regarding the formal charges filed Thursday, they have emphasized that Spears is cooperating with the law and seeking the "help and support she needs during this difficult time."
What's next:
The singer’s arraignment is set for Monday.
Because the charge is a misdemeanor, California law allows her attorney to appear on her behalf.
The Source: This report is based on official charging documents and statements provided by the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office and the California Highway Patrol, as well as previous FOX 11 reports.