Los Angeles - The man accused of posting unreleased tracks from the upcoming Guns N' Roses album "Chinese Democracy" on his blog saw the charges against him reduced this week, from a felony to a misdemeanor, meaning that he now faces up to one year in prison instead of five, Wired.com reports.

Kevin Cogill admitted to the FBI that he posted nine tracks from the album to his blog Antiquiet in June.

Cogill's lawyer, David Kaloyanides, told Wired.com that prosecutors said "a misdemeanor was more appropriate," adding that "a deal may be in the offing."

As Wired notes, the felony under which Cogill was originally charged requires proof of "the distribution of pre-released, commercial material over the internet for financial gain or commercial advantage," while the misdemeanor requires proof of "copyright infringement of the right of performance, distribution or reproduction accomplished for commercial gain or financial advantage."

Regardless of whether Cogill is convicted on any criminal counts, he still may face a copyright infringement lawsuit from the band itself.

Related Links:
http://blog.wired.com/27bstroke6/2008/10/reduced-charges.html

http://snipurl.com/4vo46 (DMW previous coverage)

http://www.antiquiet.com