Britney Spears, 44, was arrested Wednesday night on suspicion of driving under the influence in Ventura County, California. According to multiple reports, the pop star was stopped by the California Highway Patrol around 9:30 p.m. after officers received a report about a speeding car swerving on the southbound US-101 Freeway near Borchard Road exit.
Key Takeaways
Britney Spears was arrested Wednesday night for suspected DUI after being pulled over for speeding and erratic driving on California's US-101 Freeway. She was released early Thursday morning and is scheduled to appear in court on May 4.
- Britney Spears, 44, arrested for DUI in Ventura County
- Arrest followed reports of a speeding car swerving near Borchard Road exit
- Chemical test results pending; no charges filed yet
- First DUI arrest since early career struggles with mental health
- Legal expert says arrest unlikely to trigger conservatorship return
Spears was released early Thursday morning at approximately 6 a.m., according to Ventura County inmate records. Officers reported that Spears appeared impaired and submitted to field sobriety tests before her arrest. Chemical test results are still pending, and no charges have been filed yet. She is scheduled to appear in court on May 4.
A representative for Spears described the incident as 'unfortunate' and 'completely inexcusable.' In a statement to multiple outlets, the representative said,
'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. Hopefully, she can get the help and support she needs during this difficult time.'
This arrest marks Spears' first DUI incident since her early career struggles with mental health and public scrutiny. In 2007, she was charged with misdemeanor hit-and-run and driving without a license, but those charges were later dismissed.
The incident has raised questions about whether this could lead to a return of Spears' conservatorship. According to the New York Post, legal experts say that while troubling, a DUI arrest alone is unlikely to trigger a return to conservatorship. Los Angeles probate attorney Roee Kaufman stated that 'A DUI is a criminal matter... It’s totally separate from the prior conservatorship.' To reinstate a conservatorship, someone would need to file a new petition and prove Spears is unable to manage her personal or financial affairs.
Spears has been largely inactive musically in recent years, though her hits such as '...Baby One More Time' and 'Toxic' remain popular. Last month, it was reported that she sold the rights to her music catalog for approximately $200 million.
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