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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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Brown Pleads Not Guilty to Beating Rihanna

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(Newser) – Boyish pop star Chris Brown pleaded not guilty in a Los Angeles court today to pummeling his girlfriend Rihanna, People reports. Solemn and dressed in black, Brown murmured "not guilty" on two felony counts—making criminal threats and assault—while his mother Joyce Hawkins sat in the front row. The judge told Brown to return on April 29 for his next hearing.

Brown faces 5 years in prison if convicted, but his lawyers are negotiating a plea deal for a lesser charge. Legal experts call this a likely outcome. "A plea deal would be the quickest and least messy way to end this case," one defense attorney said. "It would also let Rihanna off the hook from testifying in court." Rihanna is "doing fine" in Barbados with her family, her lawyer said.

Chris Brown, right, and his attorney Mark Geragos, left, appear during Brown's arraignment in downtown Los Angeles on Monday, April 6, 2009.
Chris Brown, right, and his attorney Mark Geragos, left, appear during Brown's arraignment in downtown Los Angeles on Monday, April 6, 2009.   (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, Pool)
Chris Brown arrives for his arraignment on felony charges of assault and making criminal threats, at the Criminal Courts Building in Los Angeles, Monday, April 6, 2009.
Chris Brown arrives for his arraignment on felony charges of assault and making criminal threats, at the Criminal Courts Building in Los Angeles, Monday, April 6, 2009.   (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
In this Dec. 12, 2008 file photo, singer Rihanna poses in the press room at the Z100 Jingle Ball concert at Madison Square Garden in New York.
In this Dec. 12, 2008 file photo, singer Rihanna poses in the press room at the Z100 Jingle Ball concert at Madison Square Garden in New York.   (AP Photo/Peter Kramer, file)
Chris Brown appears during his arraignment in downtown Los Angeles on Monday, April 6, 2009.
Chris Brown appears during his arraignment in downtown Los Angeles on Monday, April 6, 2009.   (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, Pool)
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Collusive
Apr 6, 09 8:19 PM CDT
You have to love loopholes... Reply
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MRD
Apr 6, 09 10:40 PM CDT
5 years in prison is just what Chris Brown needs, Maybe he can kool off and get off his high horse and learn he can't treat any woman the way he treated Rihanna. He needs some of the treatment he give her. grrrrr. Reply
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jeebus
Apr 6, 09 10:49 PM CDT
He will get probation and community service. Reply
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Laugh
Apr 7, 09 7:41 AM CDT
A slap on the wrist for a punch in the face. Now that's justice. Reply
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jaguarj
Apr 7, 09 11:09 AM CDT
Not quilty my ass..what a prick!!! Reply
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