Britney Spears pleads guilty to reckless driving after DUI arrest

VENTURA, Calif. — A defense lawyer for Britney Spears appeared on her behalf in front of California judge on Monday and pleaded guilty to a lesser charge stemming from her arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence in March.

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Spears admitted to a vehicle code violation known in California as a “wet reckless” and was sentenced to 12 months probation and one day of jail, credited as time served, by Ventura County Commissioner Matthew Nemerson.

Spears, 44, was pulled over on March 4 for allegedly driving under the influence, though authorities have not yet disclosed what substance she might have been using just before her arrest.

She’s also been ordered to meet with a psychologist once a week and a psychiatrist twice a month.

Facing a possible misdemeanor DUI, Spears was not required to be in court and was allowed to have her attorney speak on her behalf.

The judge reminded defense lawyer Michael Goldstein that, even though Spears is only guilty of this vehicle code violation, any DUI conviction in the next 10 years will count as her second such offense.

“Through her plea today, Britney has accepted responsibility for her conduct,” Goldstein said in a statement.

“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.”