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Russell Brand will have to perform community service to resolve a  misdemeanor charge after his confrontation with a paparazzo in New Orleans earlier this year. 

The Rock of Ages star did not appear in the New Orleans courtroom for Thursday's hearing, but his attorney entered a plea of not guilty on his behalf to a charge of criminal damage to property. 

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Under a plea deal, the case will be dismissed if Brand performs 20 hours of community service and pays a $500 court fee by August 31. His attorney, Robert Glass, said he is hopeful that the actor will be able to fulfill the requirement through his charitable work with people suffering addictions.

Brand was arrested by New Orleans police on March 15 after a photographer accused him of grabbing his iPhone and tossing it through a window. Bail was set at $5,000 and the star was released shortly after his arrest.

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