Word that the LAPD is still investigating Chris Brown for allegedly beating Rihanna earlier this month raises the question: will he actually do time?
So far, no charges of any kind have been filed against Brown, 19, who was arrested February 8 for allegedly assaulting and threatening the R&B star, 21.
He was booked for making criminal threats – a felony – but the case has not been presented to the D.A., who will ultimately determine what charges to file.
Ultimately, the injuries suffered by the victim will determine whether the singer faces a charge carrying a likely penalty of probation – or go to jail.
As shocking as the high-profile case is, even ugly-looking domestic assaults don't necessarily mean automatic jail terms, according to legal experts.
For a first-time defendant, as Chris Brown would be, the charge would hinge largely on how badly the victim was injured. The victim's cooperation with authorities and whether the victim initiated the fight are less important factors.
"After examining the evidence, the injuries usually speak for themselves," says an L.A. defense attorney. "Either they rise to a felony level or they don't."
The distinction between a misdemeanor charge and felony is an important one. A misdemeanor is a crime punishable by up to a year in county jail, but most domestic violence cases ultimately result in just probation and counseling.
Meanwhile, Rihanna has resurfaced on the beach in Punta Mita, Mexico, having previously spent time in Los Angeles and her native Barbados since the attack.
She does not appear to show any of the bruising that was so visible in the chilling leaked police photo that sparked controversy and an internal investigation.
The images were reportedly snapped at a private villa on Saturday. Click to enlarge two more Rihanna pictures from the beach in Mexico ...
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14 Comments
February 27th, 2009 4:32 PM
BREAKING NEWS Rihanna's secret lover speaks out part1
OMG, check this out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHkEvwC7Egw
February 27th, 2009 11:01 PM
This is my opinion i loved chris brown for like forever im going to be truthful with yall i never like rhianna i tried to till i hear bout this im not saying wat chris brown did was not wrong cause it was but they are both wrong she gave him herpes and if he goes to jail i going to blame her i asked 8 guyz what would they do if a girl said that she gave them herpes 5 of them said that he will slap her other 3 said i dont know but if guyz should go to jail for beating a girl well come down to my school cuz i get hit everyday by a guy a guy just threw a rock at me which did damage me so if he go to jail whats her punishiment just ask the people what they think before you just send him to jail he was just mad but if men should go to jail for beating up women please come down to my school and you will see a lot but you do what you do I love chris brown and i alwayz will cause i know what he did was wrong but he was not thinking we all made mistakes she made a big she gave him herpes and thats not curable its treable so just look at it in my point of view i alwayz said that i wanted to meet chris brown and i want that to happen but if he do time how is it that going to happen so please let him off im asking you if he does something else unresonable i will understand but there should be warnings you would help me out if you do this for a little 12 1/2 year old
February 28th, 2009 7:23 AM
To tiexiera theres something wrong with your school!! And btw I don't think she did give him herpes, I think that was just a rumor.
February 28th, 2009 10:14 PM
Will thats wat everybody says i lovve chris brown he is my rolll madel
February 28th, 2009 10:15 PM
roll model my bad
March 9th, 2009 8:30 AM
i just think that chris brown, wait, how old is he? all my friends say he is 18. if he is under 21 i think he SHOULD GO TO PRISION. i don't like him anyway.
March 11th, 2009 9:15 AM
my baby love him he is gay i thank who would like to hit a girl
March 11th, 2009 10:38 PM
if paris hilton went to jail....
March 21st, 2009 4:01 PM
I is a hoe i gave him STD and had an a fair with some one and i was beating on Chris first so if i was him i would think that i/he was just trying to defined his self !
April 14th, 2009 9:54 AM
First of all, Chris Breezy is my heartake but, if you he beats on a woman he needs to have some punishmwnt done to him. Both Chris and Rihanna are still to young to be in a commited relationship. So if he was texing another girl it would'nt surprise me!!!!!!!!!!!!!