Britney Spears is out of rehab ahead of a court hearing in her DUI case.
Us Weekly has learned that the “Toxic” singer, 44, recently checked out of a treatment facility after entering on April 12. Spears has an arraignment hearing scheduled on Monday, May 4, at the Ventura County Superior Court following her DUI arrest near her home on March 4.
On Thursday, April 30, a spokesperson for the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office confirmed to Us that Spears was officially charged with one misdemeanor count of driving under the influence.
“Whether or not Ms. Spears will appear at the [May 4] hearing will be a decision made between her and her attorney,” a rep for the DA’s office told Us. “Since it is a misdemeanor charge, she is not required to attend, and her attorney can make the appearance for her.”
Their statement went on, “This DUI case will be handled according to our standard protocols. For defendants without a prior DUI history, a low blood alcohol level, and where there is no crash or injury, prosecutors typically offer what is known as a ‘wet reckless.’ This law allows a defendant to plead guilty to reckless driving involving alcohol and/or drugs.”
A DA’s office spokesperson explained to Us that this type of legal outcome is “common, 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’s office confirmed. “This offer will be extended to Ms. Spears on Monday.”
Following Spears’ arrest in March, her representative told Us that the singer understood that her actions were “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 on March 4. “Hopefully, she can get the help and support she needs during this difficult time.”
Spears reunited with her sons Sean Preston, 20, and Jayden, 19, in the days after her arrest and was even spotted hanging out with songwriter Diane Warren and Saturday Night Live alum Molly Shannon. She officially entered rehab for undisclosed treatment on April 12.
Us reported on April 15 that Spears’ two sons were instrumental in convincing her to seek professional help.
“Britney went to rehab after several conversations with both of her sons,” a source exclusively told Us. “They expressed concern about her recent behavior and urged her to seek professional help, which has been long overdue, to get her back on track. All they’ve ever wanted for their mom is health and happiness, even during the years they were estranged. They hope she’ll take it seriously.”
The insider revealed that Britney was initially “hesitant to take the leap” following her arrest, though her sons ultimately helped her to see the value of seeking treatment. (At the time, Us learned that Spears’ rehab stint would not be “a set number of days.”)
“Preston and Jayden were finally able to talk some sense into her and convince her it needed to happen,” the source told Us. “Britney was a bundle of nerves heading to rehab because it’s very hard for her to trust outsiders and follow a routine that isn’t her own, but she’ll do just about anything for her kids. Their relationship is in the best place it’s been in years, and she doesn’t want to jeopardize that by continuing on a destructive path.”
Spears shares Sean Preston and Jayden with her ex-husband Kevin Federline. (Federline is a father of six: he welcomed daughter Kori and son Kaleb with ex Shar Jackson and also shares daughters Jordan and Peyton with his second wife, Victoria Prince.)
