AceShowbiz -

Attending his scheduled arraignment at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center on Monday, April 6 for a hearing in his assault case involving Rihanna, Chris Brown pleaded not guilty to two felony charges, one for assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury and the other for making criminal threats. Initially scheduled to attend the hearing at 3 P.M., the R 'n' B performer was seen arriving at the scene at 3:24 P.M. in a black SUV. He was accompanied by her mother, Joyce Hawkins, and four bodyguards.

Inside the court, Chris kept his lips tightly sealed as Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Patricia Schnegg read the charges against him. It wasn't until Patricia asked him for his plea that he broke his silence, telling the judge "not guilty, your honor." Attending the hearing for less than 15 minutes, Chris didn't answer any questions from awaiting reporters as he made his way out of the court house accompanied by his lawyer Mark Geragos.

Rihanna was not present at the hearing, but her lawyer Donald Etra who attended the hearing on her behalf confirmed that the Barbadian singer is in "fine spirits" and is spending time with her family in Barbados. During the same occasion, Donald said his celebrity client does hope a plea deal can be reached before the case goes to trial. "She would be pleased if this was over quickly," said Donald, adding that Rihanna would testify if required.

Chris Brown was charged early last month by Los Angeles County prosecutors with felony assault likely to cause great bodily injury and making criminal threats. Both counts stemmed from the assault he did to girlfriend Rihanna during a heated argument, taking place back on February 8. If convicted of both charges, Chris could be sentenced to a maximum of four years and eight months in prison. His next hearing is scheduled for April 29.