R&B singer Chris Brown appeared in Los Angeles Superior Court yesterday for his arraignment on two felony charges. The felony complaint, filed by the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office, alleges that on or about February 7, 2009, Brown committed the offenses of 1) assualt by means likely to produce great bodily injury in violation of Penal Code Section 245(a)(1) and 2) criminal threats in violation of Penal Code Section 422.
Accompanied by his attorney, Mark Geragos, Brown did not enter a plea, but rather, requested that the arraignment be continued to April 6, 2009. This request was granted by the court.
Also present at the arraignment was attorney Donald Etra, counsel for Rihanna a.k.a. Robin Fenty, who was in court to protect her interests as well as to advise the judge that his client did not desire a full “stay-away” order. Based upon this representation the judge only issued what is known as a peaceful contact order in which Brown was ordered not to “annoy, harass, molest, threaten or use force or violence against anyone.”
This means that Brown will be able to have contact with Rihanna but he has to be really nice. I mean really nice.
It has been reported that a police affidavit detailing the incident alleges conduct on the part of Brown which includes punching, biting, choking and verbal threats of violence. Furthermore, photos taken of Rihanna’s injuries have been reported to be quite graphic.
So why would Brown want to continue his arraignment instead of entering a plea? This could be for a number of reasons. His attorney may need additional time to investigate the case or he may be trying to negotiate an early favorable settlement of the case for his client. Given the high profile nature of the case, an early settlement could be best for Brown. Whatever the reason, continuing the arraignment is not an unusual part of the criminal judicial process.
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