Britney Spears pleads guilty to reckless driving in DUI case

Britney Spears has pleaded guilty to a reckless driving charge stemming from her March 4 arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI). The 44-year-old pop star, who did not appear in court, entered the plea through her lawyer, Michael Goldstein, at Ventura County Superior Court on Monday. The plea deal, known as a 'wet reckless,' is a lesser charge than DUI and carries a lighter sentence. As part of the agreement, Spears was sentenced to 12 months of probation, a day in jail (which she has already served), and enrollment in a three-month alcohol and drug education program. She was also fined $721 and ordered to attend weekly sessions with a psychologist and biweekly sessions with a psychiatrist. The plea deal is typically offered to defendants with no prior DUI history, no crash or injury, and a low blood-alcohol level, according to the Ventura County District Attorney's office. Spears was arrested after multiple 911 calls reported her driving erratically and at high speed on the 101 freeway in a black BMW. Following her arrest, she voluntarily entered a substance abuse rehab facility, which she left after three weeks. Her lawyer stated that Spears has 'accepted responsibility for her conduct' and has taken steps to implement positive change. The District Attorney's office reduced the charge from DUI to reckless driving, citing Spears' rehab efforts and lack of prior offenses.