Chris Brown Pleads Guilty To Assaulting Rihanna
Chris Brown
Chris Brown has pleaded guilty to a count of felony assault on pop singer Rihanna.
Brown entered his plea before a preliminary hearing that was set to start in Los Angeles on Monday.
Rihanna had been on standby to testify against Brown.
Brown will be sentenced on August 5, but the terms of the plea deal are for Brown to serve five years of formal probation and six months, about 1,400 hours, of community service. He will be able to complete his probation in the state of Virginia, his home town. Either he will have to do graffiti removal or roadside cleanup for his community service.
A spokeswoman for the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office said the terms were in line with what others receive when they’re charged with the same crimes and who have no criminal history.
In addition, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Patricia Schnegg ordered the singer to stay away from Rihanna.
After Brown entered his plea and exited the courtroom, Rihanna came in and was addressed by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Patricia Schnegg, who explained to the singer that she had issued a stay-away order.
Rihanna had not been expecting a stay-away order, but the judge imposed one. The order states that Brown and Rihanna stay at least 50 yards from each, except when at industry events, the distance is reduced to 10 yards.
The judge also told Rihanna it’s not just against Brown, she will be in violation if she gets closer to Brown than the order states.
Rihanna was informed of the deal about an hour she could have been called as a witness, Donald Etra, her attorney, said. He said the singer “did not object” on the terms of the deal.
Schnegg accepted Brown’s plea, but expressed some concern because Brown isn’t a California resident. She said Brown will more than likely be allowed to do his community service in his home state of Virginia. He will have to return to California for updates about every three months. He will also be required to attend domestic violence classes.
“I think it’s commendable you took responsibility for your conduct,” Schnegg said to Brown.
She said she hoped “the terms and conditions of your probation will have some meaning.”
The singer once known for his fresh image now has a blemish on his record. He must now also remain out of trouble for the future.
The lawyers for Brown and Rihanna have refused to discuss the status of the couple’s relationship.
Brown was arrested on February 8, hours after police say he hit and threatened Rihanna after leaving a pre-Grammy party in Los Angeles. He was later charged with felony assault that produce great bodily harm and making criminal threats.
If convicted, Brown will face sentences up to nearly five years in prison.
