Paris Hilton admits cocaine possession in court appearance

http://timesofearth.com/ Paris Hilton has reportedly pleaded guilty to cocaine possession in Las Vegas -- but will avoid jail after receiving a one-year suspended sentence.
In a Las Vegas courtroom today, Paris admitted that both the 0.8 grams of cocaine and the Chanel handbag in which it was found were hers, according to reports.

The 29-year-old pleaded guilty to two misdemeanour charges of drug possession and obstructing an officer, which will allow her to avoid jail time after her arrest in Las Vegas last month for cocaine possession.

Under the terms of her plea deal, Hilton was reportedly sentenced to a one-year suspended sentence, 200 hours of community service, and a US$2,000 fine. She must also complete a substance abuse course.

Justice of the Peace Joe Bonaventure sentenced Paris to two consecutive six-month sentences in the Clark County Detention Centre, which were suspended, and warned Paris that she faces being jailed for up to a year if she breaks the terms of her probation.

"The purpose of this, at this point, is for you to change your conduct," he told Paris in front of a packed courtroom. "When you break the law here, there will be consequences."

If Paris satisfies all the requirements of her probation she will not have to attend her next court appearance, which is scheduled for 20 September 2011.