Nicholas Brendon, known for his roles in Buffy and Criminal Minds, has pleaded guilty to criminal mischief misdemeanor charges following his arrest on September 30 for choking his girlfriend. During the incident, Brendon allegedly threw away his girlfriend’s phone and snatched her car keys before grabbing her by the throat and choking her. For his plea, Brendon was offered a conditional discharge that would require him to complete drug and alcohol counseling and stay out of trouble for one year, but allow him to stay out of jail.
The actor posted a $20,000 bail after his arrest. In October, he entered a 90-day rehab program. “He is in a much better place than he was when he was charged in September,†his attorney Peter Coseo told the Times Union. “He seemed to me very pleased with his progress, and hopes to get his life back together.â€
Earlier this year, Brendon walked off the set of Dr. Phil, during an interview which focused on a suicide attempt and a string of run-ins with the law.