Chris Brown: The Plea Bargain Inside The Courtroom
In less than 20 minutes, the next five years of Chris Brown’s life were mapped out inside of a Los Angeles criminal courtroom.
[Bauer Griffin Online]
Brown agreed to a last-minute plea bargain, pleaded guilty to felony assault and managed to avoid jail time; however, he certainly did not escape punishment. According to the terms of the plea, he will serve five years probation, perform 180 days of labor, attend counseling for a year, pay court fees and fines, and he must stay away from Rihanna temporarily.
Surprisingly, the final portion of his sentence was the subject of the most drama during the court hearing. As soon as the judge indicated that she wanted to enter a “stay-away order,” Rihanna’s attorney, Donald Etra, told the judge that it was not necessary. He urged the court to continue with the current “level one” order, which would prevent Brown only from harassing and/or annoying Rihanna.
Nonetheless, the judge ordered Brown not to communicate with Rihanna in any way — including by email and phone — and to stay 50 yards away from her, unless they attend the same industry event; in that case, Brown still must stay at least 10 yards away.
After Brown confirmed that he understood the details of the order and plea bargain, the judge excused Brown and asked Rihanna to enter the courtroom. Wearing a form-fitting black dress and big, black sunglasses, Rihanna made a grand entrance.
She stood with her back to the audience as the judge explained the terms of the stay-away order. The judge urged Rihanna to abide by the order, even though it technically only applies to Brown’s conduct. With a simple “Yes, your honor,” Rihanna indicated that she understood the judge’s recommendations.
Brown is expected back in court on August 5 for a formal sentencing hearing and is required to appear in court every three months to update the judge on his progress.
Popsquire will keep you posted.
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Sounds like a pretty mediocre plea deal to me. Then again, Mark Geragos is a pretty mediocre lawyer. Five years of formal probation is a very long time.
god i wish you had pictures from inside the court!