Nicholas Brendon Pleads Guilty To Misdemeanor Criminal Mischief, Choking Charges Dropped

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Nicholas Brendon pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of criminal mischief at the Saratoga Springs City Court in New York on Friday after allegedly choking his girlfriend in a hotel room in September, according to a report.

The judge reportedly ruled that the Buffy the Vampire Slayer alum will not serve jail time pending completion of drug and alcohol counseling and avoiding trouble with the law for a year.

On Saturday, Brendon -- who has been struggling with substance abuse and depression -- revealed in a lengthy Facebook post that he was returning to treatment.

The note was accompanied by a photo of himself holding up a cup outside of a Starbucks. Brendon initially entered treatment in October and was given permission by his medical team to attend the Toulouse Game Show event in Brussels last weekend, according to his Facebook page.

"It's another beautiful day on this round floating rock we call planet earth," he shared. "I'm heading back to treatment today to continue #kickingdepressionintheballsack. After successfully taking care of some life business. Much much love to you all. Your stories & support are appreciated lovlies!! Updates will continue from Mrs. Nicky. Back to treatment for me! #huglife."

It's another beautiful day on this round floating rock we call planet earth. I'm heading back to treatment today to...

Posted by Nicholas Brendon on Saturday, December 5, 2015

As ET previously reported, this was the fourth arrest for the 44-year-old actor this year.

According to the Saratoga Springs Police, Brendon was charged with felony 3rd degree robbery, criminal mischief and obstruction of breathing after he was involved in a domestic dispute in a hotel room on South Broadway. The hotel staff called the police and reported a domestic disturbance in one of the rooms.


NEWS: Nicholas Brendon Arrested For Fourth Time This Year

When police arrived at the scene, Brendon was gone, but they found a 33-year-old female victim. A source told ET that the woman was his alleged girlfriend, which he later confirmed. Police interviewed the woman in the room and put out a description to other officers in the area to find Brendon. A few minutes later, he was picked up a couple of blocks away from the hotel while walking down the street.

Earlier this week, Brendon sat down with Dr. Phil to talk about the incident. "I just felt at that time that my girlfriend shouldn't drive, so I tried to take her keys away," Brendon said about being accused of choking her and stealing her car keys.

This appearance was much more successful than his last interview with Dr. Phil in September, in which he stormed out on the TV personality.


WATCH: Nicholas Brendon Storms Off 'Dr. Phil' In Explosive Interview

In a clip from the interview, Brendon abruptly leaves the stage when Dr. Phil brings up that the actor was in a bar the night before.

"We're done," Brendon says. "I'm not doing this."

Watch the video below to hear more.