Denver — One week after signing a minor-league contract with the Braves, Scott Spiezio pleaded guilty Monday to misdemeanor drunken-driving and hit-and-run charges from a December incident in Newport Beach, Calif.

The Braves had been fully informed of the charges and Spiezio's intentions before they signed the veteran utility man to a non-guaranteed contract March 31 and assigned him to their Richmond affiliate.

"He laid it out to us a week ago, what he expected to happen," said Braves general manager Frank Wren, "so there were no surprises."

Wren and manager Bobby Cox met with Spiezio in person March 31 in Atlanta before signing the versatile switch-hitter, who they hope can stay out of trouble and earn a roster spot with their major league club.

Spiezio's attorney entered a guilty plea as part of an agreement, a spokesman for Orange County (Calif.) prosecutors told the Associated Press.

Spiezio, 35, was sentenced to three years probation and ordered to complete 80 hours of community service, complete an alcohol program, and attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.

"We knew the facts going in," Wren said, referring to the meeting with Spiezio a week ago. "The most important part for us was to get an idea of his mindset: Was he contrite? Was he a different person than the year before?"

Spiezio hit .269 with four homers and a .354 on-base percentage in 223 at-bats for St. Louis last season, and the Cardinals released him on Feb. 27 after the Orange County District Attorney's office issued a warrant for his arrest on charges including DUI, hit-and-run and aggravated assault stemming from the December incident.

He contributed to two World Series championship teams with the Angels in 2002 and Cardinals in 2006, and has a .284 career average in 81 postseason at-bats with three triples, three homers and 25 RBIs in 26 games.

Spiezio can play the corner outfield positions and every infield position except shortstop.

Prosecutors charged that he crashed his car into a curb and fence in Irvine, Calif., then ran from the scene on foot. A neighbor said Spiezio showed up at their condominium complex and punched him, causing significant injuries.

Spiezio was also charged with misdemeanor counts of battery, assault and aggravated assault. Those charges were dropped as part of the plea agreement.