Britney Spears charged with DUI after checking herself into rehab

Britney Spears has officially been charged with driving under the influence.

Prosecutors in Ventura County charged Spears with one count of misdemeanor DUI Thursday.

In a press release obtained by Page Six, they noted Spears will be arraigned on May 4. However, since it’s a misdemeanor charge, she’s not required to attend.

The Ventura County D.A.’s Office noted that prosecutors typically offer defendants without a prior DUI history, a low blood alcohol level, and where there is no crash or injury, a “wet reckless” — this law allows a defendant to plead guilty to reckless driving involving alcohol and/or drugs.

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.

On April 12, she checked into rehab for substance abuse.

Sources told us that Spears’ arrest came as a wake-up call.

“This was her own choice,” we were told. “This isn’t about one substance in particular, it has a dual purpose….this is about Britney putting her mental health first and taking some time for herself to focus on the things that are important to her.”

“She’s dedicated to working on her health,” the source added. “This is something she really wants to do for herself. This was her own decision.”

According to our source, Spears’ whole family is supportive of the decision.  The pop star has shared pics and video of herself spending time with her two sons — Sean Preston, 20, and Jayden James, 19 — after her March 4 arrest for DUI.

“Everyone just wants Britney to be healthy and in a good place and the fact that this was her decision just proves how dedicated she is to her own recovery and getting herself back on solid ground,” the source said.

Spears, 44, was arrested last month after authorities saw her swerving in and out of lanes. They also allegedly discovered an unknown substance inside her car during her arrest and she is believed to have been on a cocktail of alcohol and drugs.

Richard Taite, founder of Carrara Treatment, where celebrities go for addiction treatment, exclusively told Page Six that it’s crucial that the “Toxic” singer does not check out of the treatment facility “without structure.”

“A strong post-treatment plan means continued therapy, accountability, and a controlled environment that supports early recovery,” Taite told us. “If that piece isn’t taken seriously, even great treatment won’t hold.”

Taite also noted that checking into rehab is only “the beginning” of someone’s recovery journey.

“Keeping them supported after they leave is what actually determines the outcome.”