TERMS OF DEAL
The reckless driving alternative carries a sentence of 12 months on unsupervised probation. Had she been convicted of the more serious DUI offense, she would have been placed on probation for three years.
If Spears re-offends while on probation, she would face another DUI charge with tougher penalties that could potentially include a year in jail and five years of probation, District Attorney Erik Nasarenko told reporters after the hearing.
There are no restrictions on her driving privileges other than a strict prohibition on getting behind the wheel with any level of intoxicants in her body. And if pulled over for any reason, she must submit to a blood-alcohol test and search of her vehicle.
As part of the plea deal, Spears also must complete a 30-hour programme of alcohol-abuse education and continue her regimen of individual mental health therapy sessions once a week, along with twice-monthly visits with a psychiatrist, court Commissioner Matthew Nemerson ordered.
A representative for the Grammy-winning performer said in April that Spears had voluntarily checked into a rehabilitation facility after the DUI arrest.
Media reports said Spears had completed her in-person treatment last week and returned home, where she would continue counselling remotely. Her representatives did not respond to requests for comment from Reuters.