Courtney Love appeared in a downtown Los Angeles courtroom Friday morning to answer charges that she violated her probation for offenses committed in 2003 and 2004 by being under the influence of controlled substances. Once the singer admitted to committing the violation -- at an event last month for Liz Phair at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel -- Judge Rand S. Rubin sentenced her to "long-term" drug treatment at a chemical dependency center.

"You either need a long-term drug [treatment program] or a long-term jail sentence," Rubin said to Love, who was visibly shaken and crying. "I can see you want to get off drugs. Three courts have tried to help you get off drugs. My belief was you needed to go to the county jail, and I planned on taking you in today." After discussions with the singer's lawyers, Howard Weitzman and Michael Rosenstein, however, Rubin agreed to drug treatment.

Speaking to reporters outside, Weitzman said, "I believe Courtney has every intent of complying with the court order . . . She had a relapse, [but] she's serious, she's sincere, she's tenacious . . . And I think the judge realizes her intentions are appropriate and sincere."

Also present in court was local musician Kristin King, who accused Love of assault in April of 2004, announcing plans to file a civil suit against the artist.

Love must return to court on September 16th to update the court on the progress of her treatment.