Britney Spears and Kevin Federline. (File Photo)

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BEIJING, Aug. 28 (Xinhuanet) -- Pulled over Saturday east of Los Angeles on her way to Las Vegas, warned for speeding, then released with a warning from a California Highway Patrol officer, Britney Spears may now be facing an investigation by Los Angeles County officials for child abuse.

The charges could stem from the heated child custody battle between Spears and Kevin Federline, according to "Access Hollywood," which has discovered attorneys for both sides were present at a hearing Monday in dependency court, which handles child abuse claims, among other things.

If the county thinks the children are at risk, an investigation will begin. If either or both parents are found incapable or unwilling to parent the children, the county will file a petition in juvenile court, Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Steve Cron told "Access."

Spears and Federline would then be granted a "full blown" hearing during which they can bring witnesses and experts to testify on their behalf. The judge would then decide if the county needs to step in, possibly taking over custody of the children, according to Cron.

However, all details from within dependency court are confidential and at this time, it is unknown if the concern is over one or both parents.

(Agencies)