Chris Brown Avoids Jail Time
The incident is no longer alleged as Brown pleaded guilty Monday in Los Angeles Superior Court, the Associated Press reports. Instead of beginning the scheduled preliminary hearing, Brown admitted to one count of felony assault.
Because of Brown's plea, Rihanna did not have to testify, even though she
was on hand to do so.
While there have been rumors that Brown and Rihanna were maintaining a relationship, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Patricia Schnegg issued Rihanna a stay-away order.
This order requires that Rihanna and Brown stay 50 yards apart. They are allowed to come within 10 yards of each other when attending an industry event. The judge imposed this order even though Rihanna had not requested it.
On August 5, Brown will be sentenced to five years of supervised probation and six months of community labor, according to his attorney Mark Geragos.
Schnegg felt optimistic that Brown would be able to complete his community service in Virginia, his home state. Brown will also be required to take domestic violence courses and return to California every three months for updates.
Schnegg applauded Brown for admitting guilt. "I think it's commendable
you took responsibility for your conduct," Schnegg said.
Brown and Rihanna, two of music's biggest young stars, have dominated tabloid news for months as the media speculated exactly what happened on February 8 after the couple left Clive Davis' annual pre-Grammy party.
Neither party spoke to the media about what happened; however, the police report indicated that Brown attacked Rihanna before fleeing the scene in the Hancock Park section of Los Angeles.
In May, Brown released a YouTube video in which he claimed that he was not a monster, in response to those who pre-maturely labeled him guilty.
Five years of probation is a long sentence, especially for a 19-year-old. But Brown is fortunate that he does not have to serve any jail time.
Schnegg served both Brown and Rihanna justice by imposing the stay-away order. If the two are still together or considering reconciling some sort of intervention is needed to help them pursue a healthier relationship.
Requiring Brown to take domestic violence classes is also important. However, if rumors are true that Brown and Rihanna had a volatile relationship, and the February 8 occurrence wasn't the first violence exchange, I think it would be helpful for Rihanna to also be required to take some type of course.
Some of these philosophies were expressed in a blog I wrote in March (Chris Brown And Rihanna: Domestic Violence Rampant Among Teens) in which I interviewed several professionals who work in social services.
I hope Brown and Rihanna and get back this ordeal. They are still extremely young and talented.
WHAT MONEY CAN BUY? IS YOUR FREEDOM! WHAT A DISQUSTING INSULT TO WOMAN...IT'S NEVER A FAIR GAME. YES, REFUSE TO SUPPORT CHRIS BROWN IN ANY FINANCIAL ENGAGEMENTS OR FUNCTIONS...IFIF YOU DO THEN YOU CONDOME PHYSICAL ABUSE!
Remember everyone of us have a lil Rick James in our veins...lol
**another note which was previously state**
Yes most people who are involved in domestic violence do stay together. I know someone who's boyfriend went to jail for years, for beating them. When he got out they married. Theres nothing we can do but talk to them. Both parties are involved and the decisions are made my both parties.
MAKE MUSIC PLEASE!
However, he did not "get off". He will now have a felony on his record and cannot vote..... I pray that this will change his behavior toward women. His life will forever changed. Also note that they both have money so it was not a matter of dollars getting him off.