Chris Brown plead not guilty to felony assault charges on Monday afternoon. Along with his attorney, Mark Garagos, the R&B singer stood in front of Judge Patricia Schnegg, to face charges of beating and threatening ex-girlfriend Rihanna on February 8.
Brown, looking solemn, wearing a black sweater, black tie and matching pants, entered the courtroom at 3:30 p.m. followed by his mother, who looked distressed but cracked a smile at a friend in the courtroom.
Asked by Judge Schnegg for his plea for both charges, Brown answered “not guilty” to each one in a barely audible voice. The judge set the next hearing for April 29.
Brown’s lawyer told the judge that “more discovery was needed” in the case, meaning that he is awaiting review of more evidence. Rihanna was not present nor required to show at the hearing.
Brown allegedly punched, choked, and threatened to kill Rihanna in a fight just hours before their scheduled performance at the Grammys, according to a search warrant affidavit.
As for Rihanna, her attorney Donald Etra told People outside the courtroom, “Nothing’s changed with regard to Rihanna’s stance toward this case … She will testify if subpoenaed and will do everything that’s required of her to do.” Currently the singer, is “doing fine,” says Etra. “She’s in Barbados now with her family.”
Legal experts believe Chris will take a plea deal with the LA district attorney that could land him in jail for 30 to 180 days, in addition to probation. This would be a better prospect than being found guilty, which could mean up to four years in state prison.
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