Britney Spears Faces DUI Charges After March Arrest

Pop star Britney Spears has been formally charged in California with driving under the combined influence of alcohol and at least one drug. The charge stems from an arrest made on March 4, when authorities pulled her over near her home.

Spears, 44, faces one misdemeanor count, according to the Ventura County District Attorney's Office. Her arraignment is scheduled for Monday. Prosecutors confirmed she will not be required to appear in court due to the nature of the charge.

Authorities reported that Spears was driving erratically on U.S. 101. Officers observed signs of impairment and conducted field sobriety tests before her arrest. She was booked into jail and later released on bail.

Following the incident, a representative for Spears acknowledged her actions were 'completely inexcusable' and expressed hope for long overdue personal change. Shortly after the arrest, Spears voluntarily checked into a substance abuse treatment facility.

Spears has largely stepped back from her music career in recent years, with her last full album released in 2016. She rose to fame in the late 1990s and early 2000s with numerous hit songs and platinum-certified albums.