Justin Bieber's Vandalism Plea Deal: $80K, Anger Management Classes
Justin Bieber will have to pay the piper after pleading "no contest" to vandalism -- something to the tune of $80,900 in restitution. And that's not all the rabble-rousing pop star have to do.
The Biebs, charged with the misdemeanor egging a neighbor's house, accepted a plea deal which also includes two years of probation, five days of community service, and 12 weeks of anger management classes. CNN reports that Bieber didn't even appear in court on Wednesday to enter his plea, but Shawn Holley, a notable celebrity defense attorney, accepted the deal on his behalf.
Why so much fuss over a celebrity egging?
'Incredible' Damage to House
In California, as in many other states, the amount of punishment that can come from a vandalism charge often depends on the damage to the house or property vandalized. For vandalism damages of $400 or greater, prosecutors in the Golden State have the choice to pursue the charge as either a misdemeanor or a felony -- known as a "wobbler."
According to CNN, a sheriff's investigator recommended that the charge be a felony, but prosecutors filed a misdemeanor vandalism charge instead.
Prosecutor Alan Yochelson told the court that the damage to the house was "incredible" but still not worthy of a felony charge. It probably helps that the judge knew Bieber was likely to pay the $80,900 in restitution so that the homeowners could recover.
Anger Management
The "Boyfriend" singer also has to attend 12 weeks of anger management sessions, which may help him deal with his anger over other pending charges.
Similar to community service, which Bieber was also slapped with, judges have wide discretion to order anger management classes in cases where they feel the offense stems from some form of anger or aggression.
Let's hope that these anger management sessions do some sort of good; they've been known to actually end in acts of violence.
Biebs Has Left the Neighborhood
Beliebers may be interested to know that the pop singer also had been ordered to stay 100 yards away from the vandalized home's family as part of his plea deal, reports CNN. This sort of restraining order might make it hard to be a good neighbor, so Bieber just decided to move.
Who's moving in now? CNN says the Biebs sold his house to Khloe Kardashian. We smell a new reality show ... and maybe some leftover rotten eggs.
Follow FindLaw for Consumers on Facebook and Twitter (@FindLawConsumer).
Related Resources:
- Justin Bieber gets two years probation for egg pelting (Reuters)
- Justin Bieber's House Searched Over Egg-Tossing; Lil Za Arrested (FindLaw's Celebrity Justice)
- Do Deputies Need a Warrant to Search Justin Bieber's Cell Phone? (FindLaw's Celebrity Justice)
- Woman Stabbed at Anger Management Class Over Dr. Phil (FindLaw's Injured)