Judge loosens restraining order on Chris Brown to “do not annoy”
on February 23, 2011 at 10:33 AM
Chris Brown's Performance on NBC's "Today" show on June 6, 2008 at Rockefeller Center in New York.
On Tuesday this week, Los Angeles Judge Patricia Schnegg loosened a restraining order on R&B singer Chris Brown, to a “do not annoy” order. Brown was sentenced to a 52-week domestic violence education program, five years’ probation and 180 hours of community service after pleading guilty to felony assault of his former girlfriend, Rihanna. Battered photos of Rihanna were published online at a party before the Grammy’s in 2009, leading to the charges against Brown.
Judge Schnegg commended Brown on his successful completion of the domestic violence education program, but refused to downgrade the restraining order until she heard from Rihanna’s counsel. Rihanna’s lawyer, Donald Etra, commented that his client felt the loosened restrictions would still provide “adequate protection.”
The “do not annoy” order will permit Brown to call, email, and physically contact Rihanna. Perhaps some clarification on the legal definition of “to annoy” would be useful.
Brown will no longer have to appear in court, however his attorney is required to make periodic progress reports.