EXCLUSIVE

UPDATE

11:09 AM PT -- Chris just tweeted in response to the charges, writing, "It's not a hit and run if u get out the car, exchange information (who has NO DAMAGE to either cars). This is really ridiculous." He also just changed his profile picture to the girl's car he allegedly hit.



-- Chris just tweeted in response to the charges, writing, "It's not a hit and run if u get out the car, exchange information (who has NO DAMAGE to either cars). This is really ridiculous." He also just changed his profile picture to the girl's car he allegedly hit.

Chris Brown has been charged with criminal hit-and-run ... TMZ has learned.

We've learned the L.A. City Attorney has filed 2 criminal charges against Brown, in connection with a minor accident last month where Chris rear-ended a Mercedes and allegedly refused to fork over his driver's license number and gave bogus insurance info and then left the scene.

The City Attorney has charged Chris with hit-and-run -- for leaving the scene without exchanging proper information. He's also been charged with the crime of driving without a valid license. The crimes are punishable by a maximum of 6 months in jail for each offense.

We've also learned the City Attorney will refer the matter to the L.A. County D.A. for a possible probation violation in the Rihanna beating case. Worst case scenario -- if the judge in that case concludes Chris broke the law and thereby violated his probation, he could be sentenced to prison for 4 years.