Lou Diamond Phillips sentenced to probation

updated 8:10 a.m. ET Dec. 8, 2006

LOS ANGELES - Lou Diamond Phillips pleaded no contest Thursday to a misdemeanor count of domestic battery and was sentenced to three years probation for an incident involving his live-in girlfriend.

The actor, 44, must also undergo one year of domestic violence counseling and 200 hours of community service, said Frank Mateljan, spokesman for the Los Angeles city attorney’s office.

Best known for his roles in “La Bamba” and “Stand and Deliver,” Phillips could have faced a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a $2,000 fine if convicted.

“He’s going to abide by the court’s decision,” said Eddie Michaels, Phillips’ spokesman. Michaels declined to comment.

Authorities said an Aug. 11 argument between Phillips and his girlfriend escalated into a physical fight.

The girlfriend, whose name was not released, was pushed and dragged across the house, resulting in scrapes to both her knees, prosecutors said. She grabbed a phone, locked herself in a bathroom and called police.

Phillips was arrested and held for about 10 hours before he was released.

In recent years, Phillips has made a number of guest appearances on TV, including “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” and “24.”

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