Chris Brown to Receive Final Sentencing Today

Aug. 5, 2009— -- Hard work lies ahead for Chris Brown.

The 20-year-old R&B singer is scheduled today to receive a final sentence of six months of community labor and five years of probation for beating ex-girlfriend Rihanna.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Patricia Schnegg, who originally sentenced Brown, made it clear that she would like Brown, who will likely be allowed to serve his probation in his home state of Virginia, to do work that is comparable to graffiti removal or roadside cleanup.

In June, Brown pleaded guilty to felony assault in exchange for probation at a preliminary hearing in which Rihanna was expected to testify. Instead the former couple never faced each other. The pop singer showed up in court just after Brown left.

Donald Etra, Rihanna's attorney, told The Associated Press Tuesday that the 21-year-old singer would not appear in court for Brown's sentencing. Etra said he would ask Schnegg to rescind a restraining order that keeps the pair from talking or meeting one another.

"No stay-away order was ever requested by Rihanna, nor did she ever believe it was necessary," he told People magazine.

Etra said he would ask that it be replaced by an order that prohibits Brown from harassing, annoying or molesting Rihanna.

The last time Rihanna appeared in court, wearing a black mini dress and pearls and appearing perfectly coiffed, she stood calmly while the judge explained the details of the protective order.

As part of his plea deal, Brown was also ordered to attend 52 weeks of domestic violence counseling and surrender any fire arms within 24 hours. Brown must also submit a DNA sample.

After the prosecutor read off the terms of the plea agreement, the judge asked Brown, "How do you plea?" He responded in a strong voice, "Guilty."

"I think it is commendable that you took responsibility for your actions," the judge then told Brown. "I hope the terms of your probation will have some meaning for you. This will be a felony. This will be formal probation, supervised probation."

Schnegg also said his community service would not be at a "church or old folks home." Instead, she described it as transportation duty, which amounts to picking up trash along the roadways, and cleaning off graffiti.

With the plea arrangement, Brown's and Rihanna's accounts of that fateful night, which left her bruised and bloodied and Brown under arrest for felony charges, will remain unsaid -- at least for now.

Last month, however, Brown broke his silence and made a public apology on YouTube to his fans and claimed to have apologized to Rihanna numerous times. He reiterated that he was seeking help and explained why he didn't open up sooner.

"Since February my attorney has advised me not to speak out, even though since the incident I wanted to publicly express my deepest regret and accept full responsibility," Brown begins.

"Although I would do some interviews and answer some questions in the future, I felt it was time you heard directly from me that I am sorry. I have tried to live my life in a way that would make those around me proud of me, and until recently, I think I was doing a pretty good job. I wish I had the chance to live those few moments again, but unfortunately I can't."