Link (http://www.kdvr.com/news/kdvr-bonsall-040810,0,259422.story)


BOULDER - Former "Family Ties" actor Brian Bonsall pleaded guilty to felony menacing and assault charges stemming from a 2009 incident and was sentenced to 40 hours of community service, and 5 days on the Boulder County work release program.

He will remain on probation for 2 years.

Bonsall, 28, was arrested on numerous charges in 2009. His lawyer told the court that Bonsall had suffered from substance abuse problems. An agreement that Bonsall participate in an "integrated treatment court" kept Bonsall from receiving more jail time.

Bonsall's troubles began several years ago with drunken driving arrest and domestic incidents with his girlfriend. He was scheduled to appear in court in 2008 when he skipped his court date and left town with no notice.

Bonsall starred in the long-running 1980's sitcom Family Ties that was the launching vehicle for costar Michael J Fox. Bonsall was a child during his turn on the show.

He's lucky - he got off easily. Let's hope he gets the message this time.

I hope for his sake that this is the start of him turning his life around.

link (http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/ap/family-ties-actor-bonsall-sentenced-to-probation-90297287.html)

'Family Ties' actor Bonsall sentenced to probation

Associated Press
4/8/2010 4:10 PM PDT

Boulder, Colo. — Former "Family Ties" actor Brian Bonsall has been sentenced to two years of probation over a fight with a friend in Colorado last year. The 28-year-old pleaded guilty Thursday in Boulder to felony menacing and third-degree assault. The menacing charge won't appear on his record if he stays out of trouble for two years.

Bonsall also pleaded guilty Thursday to violating terms of his probation stemming from a 2007 assault on his girlfriend and was sentenced to five days in a work-release program and 40 hours of community service. Bonsall had tested positive for marijuana. His attorney told a judge Bonsall has substance abuse issues. Bonsall played the youngest son, Andy Keaton, on "Family Ties,".