Chris Brown Enters No Plea In Rihanna Assault Case, Arraignment Pushed to April 6th
After being charged with two felonies stemming from his alleged February 8th assault of Rihanna, Chris Brown and his legal team opted not to enter a plea yesterday, instead pushing arraignment back until April 6th. Brown was in front of a judge for less than five minutes on Thursday, March 5th, and was ordered “not to annoy, harass, molest, threaten or use force or violence against anyone.” When Rihanna’s lawyer was asked by the judge if the “Umbrella” singer wanted a “no contact” order imposed, her lawyer responded, “Rihanna requested that no such order be issued,” so Brown and Rihanna can continue to correspond — and presumably reconcile — as the legal case continues. (Track the couple’s time together over Grammy Weekend in photos.)
Brown likely postponed pleading yesterday for a few reasons. Considering the high-profile nature of this case and Rihanna’s reluctance to testify against Brown as they reconcile, the 19-year-old R&B star’s legal team was likely surprised by the severity of the two felony charges. Brown wants to avoid a trial at all costs, as reminding the public of his alleged crime on a daily basis couldn’t help his already-beleaguered career, so the month until he needs to enter his plea gives his lawyer Mark Geragos ample opportunity to work out a plea bargain — and build up some more positive press by attending anger-management classes and showing the public Rihanna trusts him again. According to CNN, if Brown were found guilty of the two felonies, the sentence would likely range from probation to four years in prison.
Now that LAPD Detective De Shon Andrews’ full search warrant affidavit has been released as a court document, the public is getting a harsh picture of what happening February 8th:
“Brown continued driving and Robyn F. observed his cellular telephone sitting in his lap. She picked up the cellular telephone with her left hand and before she could make a call he placed her in a head lock with his right hand and continued to drive the vehicle with his left hand.
“Brown pulled Robyn F. close to him and bit her on her left ear. She was able to feel the vehicle swerving from right to left as Brown sped away. He stopped the vehicle in front of 333 North June Street and Robyn F. turned off the car, removed the key from the ignition and sat on it.
“Brown did not know what she did with the key and began punching her in the face and arms. He then placed her in a head lock positioning the front of her throat between his bicep and forearm. Brown began applying pressure to Robyn F.’s left and right carotid arteries, causing her to be unable to breathe and she began to lose consciousness.
“She reached up with her left hand and began attempting to gouge his eyes in an attempt to free herself. Brown bit her left ring and middle fingers and then released her. While Brown continued to punch her, she turned around and placed her back against the passenger door. She brought her knees to her chest, placed her feet against Brown’s body and began pushing him away. Brown continued to punch her on the legs and feet, causing several contusions.
As the Brown/Rihanna case enters the legal system, Ghostface Killah has penned a song in support of the Barbadian singer. In “Message From Ghost,” via XXL, the Wallabee Champ tells Rihanna to stay strong, rapping, “That girl Rihanna, you know what it is Rihanna, you little sexy little thing you, you didn’t have to got through all that, that’s that young boy shit. And I ain’t here to interfere either but protect your neck, that’s what Wu told you baby.”
Related Stories:
• Chris Brown Charged With Two Felonies In Rihanna Assault Case, Faces Up to Nine Years In Prison
• Chris Brown Heads to Court to Hear Charges in Rihanna Case
• Shocking Photo of Rihanna’s “Horrific” Facial Injuries Leaks