Singer Mars pleads guilty to cocaine possession

Grammy-winning pop singer and songwriter Bruno Mars resolved his drug case Wednesday as long as he stays out of trouble for a year.

Mars, whose real name is Peter Hernandez, pleaded guilty in District Court to felony cocaine possession as part of a deal made with prosecutors.

Mars wore a charcoal gray suit and a dark T-shirt in court. He was solemn and politely answered as he admitted his guilt to Judge Jessie Walsh.

Mars was placed on one year of informal probation. He must pay a $2,000 fine, perform 200 hours of community service, attend drug counseling and stay out of trouble.

If he successfully completes the terms, he will be allowed to withdraw his plea and the case will be dismissed.

If Mars fails, he will be adjudicated guilty and could face prison time.

Defense attorney Richard Schonfeld assured Walsh, "Mr. Hernandez will successfully complete these requirements."

Mars and his attorneys ignored questions from a reporter outside the courtroom.

Mars, 25, who was nominated for seven awards and won for best male pop vocal performance at the Grammy Awards on Sunday, was arrested in September at the Hard Rock Hotel after he was seen with a plastic bag of white powder in a restroom stall by an attendant.