Britney Spears charged with driving under influence of alcohol, drugs

Britney Spears has been charged with misdemeanor DUI nearly two months after she was arrested for allegedly driving "erratically" on a Southern California highway.

The Ventura County District Attorney's Office on April 30 announced it had filed one misdemeanor count of driving under the influence of any alcohol and drug. Spears "did unlawfully, while under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, drive a vehicle," prosecutors allege.

The singer will be arraigned in Ventura County Superior Court on May 4. Whether she will attend in-person is unknown, as her attorney is permitted to appear on her behalf due to the charge being a misdemeanor.

According to a spokesperson for the DA's office, Spears will be offered the chance to "plead guilty to reckless driving involving alcohol and/or drugs," also known as a "wet reckless." This is one of their "standard protocols" for "defendants without a prior DUI history, a low blood alcohol level, and where there is no crash or injury." Under this resolution, Spears would receive 12 months of probation in which she is required to complete a DUI class and pay state-mandated fines and fees.

USA TODAY has reached out to Spears' representative for comment.

Weeks earlier, on April 12, Spears' rep confirmed the 44-year-old pop star "voluntarily checked herself into a treatment facility."

A California Highway Patrol spokesperson told USA TODAY on March 6 that Spears was arrested after she was suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs on March 4, as she allegedly showed "signs of impairment and submitted to a series of field sobriety tests."

Spears was driving a black BMW 430i "erratically" at high speeds on the highway in Ventura County, according to the CHP. She is due for a court appearance on May 4.

Britney Spears is 'long overdue' to make changes in her life: Spokesperson

In a March 6 statement to USA TODAY, Spears' spokesperson said the arrest 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 statement said.

"Hopefully, she can get the help and support she needs during this difficult time," Spears' spokesperson added. "Her boys are going to be spending time with her. Her loved ones are going to come up with an overdue needed plan to set her up for success for well-being."

Spears shares two children with ex-husband Kevin Federline: Sean, 20, and Jayden, 19.

Contributing: Edward Segarra and Taijuan Moorman

If you or someone you know needs help battling a substance abuse addiction, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).