Busta Rhymes Given Probation In Assault Case

Busta Rhymes was sentenced to three years' probation, 10 days of community service and a $1,250 fine for a series of 2007 arrests for assault and driving while intoxicated. If convicted, Busta Rhymes, whose real name is Trevor Smith, could have faced up to one year of jail time for each offense. The 35-year-old rapper and actor was initially arrested in May of 2007 for failing a Breathalyzer test after police stopped him because the tint on the windows of his vehicle was too dark. Another arrest came in Augustfor assaulting a manthat spit on his car, and it was followed by a December arrest for kicking and striking his former driver during a dispute.

According to the Associated Press, Judge Larry Stephen of Manhattan Criminal Court was lenient with his sentencing, but also issued a warning. "If you mess up, you're going to jail," Stephen said. "I've given you a chance." Busta said he would have no trouble following the terms of his probation, which also include enrollment in a program for drunken drivers.

"I couldn't feel better, and this couldn't have happened at a better time," said Busta Rhymes. "I thank the judge for giving me a chance, and I thank everybody for being supportive." Busta also said he wanted to get back to "having fun, making music, running around and showing love." Although there is still no official release date for his sophomore effort on Aftermath, tentatively titled Back On My B.S., the veteran rapper has recently released the single "Lights, Camera, Action," which is currently available in the HipHopDX audio section.