The case of the People versus Chris Brown continues.
The musician pleaded not guilty in a Los Angeles courtroom Monday to two felony counts – assault and making criminal threats – in the alleged Feb. 8 beating of his girlfriend Rihanna.
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 Patricia 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, Mark Geragos, 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.
If convicted, Brown, 19, faces probation to a maximum four years and eight months in state prison, prosecutors say.
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.”
