Chris Brown Pleads Guilty to Felony Assault
Well, the day has finally come, when Rihanna and Chris Brown would have their show down in court after he had allegedly beaten her February 8th, the night of the Grammy Awards 2009. Rihanna had been set to testify at the hearing, but Chris Brown pleaded guilty during a preliminary hearing this morning.
As a result of Chris Brown’s plea, he will be sentenced to five years of probation and six months (1400 hours) of community service. The probation will be served in Chris Brown’s home state of Virginia where the singer has his choice between graffiti removal and roadside cleanup.
In addition to the sentencing, the judge issued a stay away order. The order requires that Brown and Rihanna stay at least 50 yards from each other, except at industry events when the distance is reduced to 10 yards. Rihanna was told that the order works both ways, and so, she would be in violation if she approaches Chris Brown.
Looking at the event, Chris Brown probably made the wisest decision. Were he convicted, he could have faced up to five years in jail. On top of that, a drawn out trial in which Rihanna made a testimony revealing what Chris Brown had done to her would have destroyed what little remains of his career and reputation.