Chris Brown Appears in Court, Judge Lifts Restraining Order

Chris Brown appeared in a downtown Los Angeles courtroom today where a judge lifted the restraining order prohibiting him from going near ex-girlfriend Rihanna, reports TMZ. Judge Patricia Schnegg reduced the ban to level one, meaning that the former couple can have contact as long as Brown doesn’t “harass, annoy, or molest her.”

A solemn Breezy, wearing a gray suit, sat beside his attorney Mark Geragos, who spoke on behalf of his client. The 21-year-old singer nodded when the judge asked if he wanted to waive his next court appearance.

Rihanna’s lawyer Donald Etra appeared on her behalf, telling the judge that she had no objection to the new ruling. “I have spoken with my client and she does not object to the reduction from the stay away order to the level one, or the do not annoy, molest, or harass order,” said Etra.

Brown initially requested the removal of the restraining order after completing his 52-week domestic violence counseling last month, and will remain on probation until 2014.