A judge has sentenced Queens Senator Hiram Monserrate for his misdemeanor assault conviction. That charged stemmed an altercation with his girlfriend Karla Giraldo, who now plans to marry the embattled lawmaker. Our Josh Robin was in the courtroom and has the details.

NEW YORK -- State Senator Hiram Monserrate was sentenced to three years probation in Queens Supreme Court Friday for recklessly causing injury to his girlfriend last year. The Democratic senator will also have to serve 250 hours of community service and attend 52 weeks of domestic abuse counseling.

Monserrate was convicted of misdemeanor assault for forcibly dragging Karla Giraldo by the arm on the way to the hospital on Dec. 19, 2008. The conviction could have resulted in up to a year behind bars.

Monserrate originally faced up to seven years in prison, but was acquitted of felony assault on charges he slashed Giraldo's face with a broken glass.

Giraldo testified at length Friday and had asked for an order of protection to be lifted, but the judge upheld the order. Both Giraldo and Monserrate maintain the slashing was accidental, although prosecutors said Giraldo had told a nurse that he did it on purpose.

Republican state senators have called for Monserrate's resignation or some other sort of punishment. A state Senate committee is currently deciding his political future.