Chris Brown Strikes A Plea Deal In Assault Case

A breaking, last minute plea deal was just announced between Chris Brown and the state in the singer's felony assault case against his former girlfriend Rihanna.Singer will do 180 days of service; judge issues order for Brown to stay away from Rihanna.

Brown, accompanied by his lawyer, plead guilt to charges and a judge has accepted his plea of 180 days of service, to be served in the singer's native Virginia.

Both Brown and Rihanna were present in Los Angeles Superior Court on Monday afternoon (June 22) where the "Umbrella" star was expected to testify. Rihanna had been subpoenaed by the district attorney's office and was expected to break her silence about the February incident that allegely left her battered and bruised by Brown.

She did not testify, however, and the judge issued a "stay away" to Brown and said Rihanna would be entering the courtroom once Brown exits.

According to TMZ, Brown's attorney, Mark Geragos, was seen at the courthouse earlier in the day visiting the judge's chambers to work on the final details of a plea bargain for his client.

A couple hours later, Brown arrived a few minutes early at the courthouse in a grey suit and tie. Brown was accompanied by family members and offered no words to the media gathered outside. Rihanna's attorney, Donald Etra, entered the court house before Brown and Rihanna was not present at the time, fueling speculation that a plea deal was eminent.

Rihanna then entered the courthouse later through a back entryway, wearing dark glasses, according to multiple reports.

As the preliminary hearing began, word of the plea deal was soon announced to the courtroom.

Additional details of the plea bargain were not immediately made available as of press time.

A press conference is expected to take place immediately follow the hearing.

MTVNews.com will have more details on this developing story soon.