Singer Chris Brown Sentenced to Five Years Probation for Assaulting Rihanna During Domestic Violence Dispute

R & B singer Chris Brown has been ordered to serve five years’ probation, in addition to six months of community labor and one-year of domestic violence abuse counseling, for assaulting performer Rihanna. If he violates the terms of his probation, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Patricia Schnegg told the performer he could be sent to state prison.

Brown was arrested last February following an altercation with then-girlfriend Rihanna. Police were summoned after someone heard her screaming for help. Brown is accused of physically attacking her while they were riding in a sports car during a verbal dispute. He is accused of punching her, placing her in a headlock, and threatening to beat and kill her.

Rihanna did not press criminal charges against Brown, who was charged with felony battery and making criminal threats over their domestic violence dispute. He had initially pleaded not guilty to the charges and could have been ordered to serve five years in prison if convicted.

In June, he pleaded guilty to the charge of felony assault. Schnegg ordered Rihanna and Brown to stay away from each other.

Per the terms of Brown’s plea agreement, the singer is not allowed to go near Rihanna for five years. He will serve his sentence in Virginia. Richmond’s police chief will supervise the singer’s community labor. The making criminal threats charge has been dropped.

Brown will have to check in with a probation officer and see Schnegg every three months. He will return to her courtroom in November.

Massachusetts Domestic Violence
Regardless of whether or not serious physical bodily harm occurred, the state of Massachusetts considers allegations of domestic violence a serious matter. Police are supposed to arrest anyone who is accused of committing this offense.

These criminal charges cannot be combated without the help of an experienced Boston criminal defense law firm.

Chris Brown sentenced in Rihanna assault case, Boston Herald, August 25, 2009
Chris Brown pleads guilty in Rihanna assault case, CNN, June 23, 2009

Related Web Resources:
Massachusetts Law About Domestic Violence

Celebrities and Domestic Violence

Contact Information