Chris Brown

Chris Brown pleads “NOT GUILTY”

      Chris Brown pleaded not guilty to both charges in the felony assault case against him Monday. “Rihanna, Chris Brown’s ex-girlfriend, wants the case to end without a trial,” her lawyer said. The only words spoken from Chris during his quick appearance before Judge Schnegg were: “not guilty”; he had said this twice. Chris Brown is being charged with felony counts of assault and making criminal threats. If he is convicted, the punishment could be probation or four years and eight months in prison.

      The “supposed attack” happened during an argument in February that began when Rihanna, who had been dating Chris, found a text message on his cell phone from another girl. Insiders say Rihanna prefers that the matter be resolved quickly and fairly.

"She believes that the quicker this case is over, the more quickly she can get back to her life and her career, which is exactly what she'd like to do," said Etra (Rihanna’s attorney). Rihanna, who is in Barbados, "is in fine spirits, she's doing fine," he said "She would be pleased if this would be over and done with soon."

      The objective is to see if this case can be resolved prior to the preliminary hearing and before the trial. When Rihanna was asked if she would cooperate with prosecutors, Etra gave the same answer he's given before, "If asked to testify, she will do so."

      When Chris Brown appeared for his first hearing a month ago, Rihanna's lawyer asked the judge not to ban Brown from having contact with her while he faces felony charges of assaulting her. She had said they wanted to get together and discuss the situation previously. The judge listened to Rihanna's request, and just warned Brown not to threaten, pester, abuse, annoy or use violence against anyone.

Brown announced a public apology for the event in February: "Words cannot begin to express how sorry and saddened I am over what transpired, I am seeking the counseling of my pastor, my mother...