Busta Rhymes gets three years' probation

Jet, April 7, 2008

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Rapper Busta Rhymes was recently sentenced to three years' probation for assaulting his former driver and a fan.

The 35-year-old Rhymes, whose real name is Trevor Smith, was also ordered by the judge to perform 10 days of community service; pay a $1,250 fine, plus court costs; and enroll in a drunken-driving program.

After the sentencing, Rhymes said the terms of the plea deal wouldn't be a problem. "I have no trouble being a good dude because that's what ] am," he said.

Scott Leemon, Rhymes' lawyer, told the Associated Press that a private agency called Rock Corp. would work out the community service program.

Rhymes pleaded guilty in January on the day he was set to go to trial on the assault and driving offenses related to four separate incidents.

At that time, Manhattan Criminal Court Judge Larry Stephen revoked Rhymes' driver's license for six months and signed an order of protection directing him to stay away from his former driver.

After this sentence, Stephen put Rhymes on notice that he must abide by the conditions of his probation. "If you mess up, you're going to jail," he said. "I've given you a chance. "After court, Rhymes said he wanted to get back to "having fun, making music, running around and showing love."

--Associated Press