Chris Brown pleads not guilty in Rihanna beating case

By Hanh Nguyen

April 6, 2009 5:43 PM ET

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The Chris Brown assault case is proceeding as expected.

The R&B singer pleaded not guilty in Los Angeles court Monday afternoon to the felony charges stemming from the alleged February beating of his girlfriend, "Umbrella" singer Rihanna, report news sources.

Brown, 19, pleaded not guilty to both charges, assault and making criminal threats, which could lead to probation or a maximum of four years and eight months in prison, if he's convicted.

Another hearing is scheduled for April 29.

With Brown's "not guilty" plea entered, it's likely that the case will result in Brown accepting a plea deal on lesser charges in order to conclude the case as quickly as possible. This would also mean that Rihanna, 20, might not have to testify in court, something that she's prepared to do though, if subpoenaed.

In the meantime, after a brief reconciliation with Brown, he and Rihanna parted ways. She's been flying around the country and back to her native Barbados, while he's been staying out of the spotlight and receiving counseling.

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