Chris Brown Pleads Guilty; Rihanna in Court
Chris Brown plead guilty to one count of felony assault on Rihanna in a Los Angeles courtroom on Monday.
The 20-year-old singer will receive five years of probation and have to do 180 days of community service in his homestate of Virginia. He’ll also be required to attend domestic violence classes.
“I think it’s commendable you took responsibility for your conduct,” Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Patricia Schnegg told Brown. “[I hope] the terms and conditions of your probation will have some meaning,” she continued, ensuring that Brown “was treated as any other person who comes through this court.”
The judge imposed a stay-away order requiring Brown to stay at least 50 yards away from Rihanna with the exception of industry events where this was reduced to 10 yards. The former lovers are not to interact at all. If he violates the terms of his probation, he could receive up to four years in prison.
Rihanna, wearing dark clothing and sunglasses, was present at the courthouse and on standby to testify. She entered the courtroom after her ex-boyfriend left, where the judge explained the terms of the deal to her.
The once squeaky-clean pop star is now considered a convicted felon and will lose his rights to vote and bear arms. He was given the option of community labor or six months in jail.
Brown is scheduled to be sentenced in August.