NEWSMel Gibson's Easy Court Hearing: Pleads No Contest, No Jail Time Sentenced
March 11 2011, Published 11:42 a.m. ET
Mel Gibson's slate is almost clean. The actor plead no contest — a plea of innocence — to his battery misdemeanor charge in court today. The judge ordered Mel to complete 16 hours of community service and undergo 52 weeks of counseling as part of his probation. No jail time was issued for the actor.
If Mel had been charged with felony domestic abuse, jail time would have been more probable.
Mel's no contest plea stems from a domestic situation in which the alleged victim had a child with him, TMZ reports.
Mel entered a "West Plea," which means he is allowed to maintain his innocence, according to TMZ.
He will perform his 16 hours of community service with the philanthropic organization, Mending Kids, as well as the required 52 weeks of counseling.
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He is also required to have only "peaceful contact" with Oksana Grigorieva, his ex and mother of his daughter Lucia. Oskana was not in court today for Mel's hearing.
He is on 36 months informal probation, and cannot use force or violence against anyone, under the terms of his probation.
Blair Berk, Mel's lawyer, told the judge her client entered the plea so his children wouldn't have to endure a one-year legal fight.
