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Britney Spears pleads guilty to DUI-related charge — Here's what that means


Spears was arrested on March 4th on suspicion of a DUI


Sources close to the singer suggest the arrest served as a critical wake-up call.© FilmMagic
Maria LoretoSenior Writer
MAY 5, 2026 12:09 PM EDT

Britney Spears has pleaded guilty to a lesser charge following her arrest on suspicion of a DUI. On Monday, a lawyer on behalf of Spears appeared in front of a California judge, admitting to a "wet reckless," a vehicle code violation in California that's considered a lesser charge than a traditional DUI. 

THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO Tonight Show with Jay Leno -- Episode 4341 -- Pictured: (l-r) Britney Spears during an interview with host Jay Leno on October 29, 2012 -- (Photo by: Paul Drinkwater/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images) © NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via
Britney Spears was arrested in March

The admittance resulted in Spears receiving 12 months' probation and a day of jail, which she already served upon her arrest in March. She was also ordered to meet with a psychologist once a week and a psychiatrist twice a month. 

The judge determined that any DUI conviction within the next 10 years would count as Spears' second such offense.

“Through her plea today, Britney has accepted responsibility for her conduct," said Spears' lawyer, Michael Goldstein. "She has taken significant steps to implement positive change which is clearly reflected in the Ventura County District Attorney’s decision to reduce the charge in this case and dismiss the DUI. Britney appreciates this discretion and is also grateful for the outpouring of support she has received.”

BEVERLY HILLS, CA - APRIL 12:  Honoree Britney Spears attends the 29th Annual GLAAD Media Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on April 12, 2018 in Beverly Hills, California.  (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)© Getty Images
The judge charged her with a lesser charge

More details about Britney's arrest

Britney Spears was arrested on March 4th after she was pulled over in Los Angeles on suspicion of driving under the influence. She was taken to jail and spent the night there. It's unknown what substance she was suspected of using. Spears consented to a search of her car and has since checked in voluntarily into a treatment facility

Spears reportedly made the decision to check into the facility after people in her life advised her to do so, reports NBC News.

Britney Spears continues her healing journey with son Jayden Federline after spending Christmas together© Britney Spears
In past months, Spears has willingly entered into a facility for treatment

 Her friends and family suggested that it was important for her to show the judge that she was taking the legal matter seriously. Over the past weeks, her sons Sean Preston and Jayden have been photographed in California, with Spears sharing some updates of their time together on social media. 

Following Spears' arrest, a representative called her behavior "completely inexcusable." "Hopefully, this can be the first step in long overdue change that needs to occur in Britney’s life," they continued.

The real reason Britney Spears’ son Sean Preston dropped ‘Federline’ from his name© Britney Spears/IG
She's been spending time with her sons, Jayden and Sean Preston

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