Chris Brown Accepts Plea Deal, Avoids Jail Time

Chris Brown has copped a plea bargain in his assault and criminal threats case and will not serve time in jail, as per an agreement reached just moments ago.

Rihanna was in court today but the plea was announced before the preliminary hearing even took place, so she did not testify. The details on Brown's deal:

* Chris Brown will spend 180 days in a labor diversion program in Virginia, where he lives. This is a step tougher community service - Brown must do regimented, hard labor (like highway cleanup) during that time, but may live at home.
* He will work eight hours a day during that span (1,440 hours total).
* He received five years probation for felony assault. He must return to court every three months for a status report during those five years. If Brown in any way violates probation, he could get up to four years in prison.
* He must enroll in a domestic violence counseling program.
* He must stay completely clear from Rihanna at all times. If they are at the same public events, he still must keep 10 yards' distance.
* As Chris Brown has pleaded guilty to the felony assault charge, he is a convicted felon who loses the right to vote or carry a gun.

The judge presiding over the case said she wanted to make sure Chris Brown "was treated as any other person who comes through this court."