The musician pleaded not guilty in a Los Angeles courtroom Monday to two felony counts – assault and making criminal threats – in the alleged Feb. 8 beating of his girlfriend Rihanna.
Brown allegedly punched, choked, and threatened to kill Rihanna in a fight just hours before their scheduled performance at the Grammys, according to a search warrant affidavit.
If convicted, Brown, 19, faces anywhere from probation to a maximum four years and eight months in state prison, prosecutors say.
As for Rihanna, her attorney Donald Etra told PEOPLE outside the courtroom, "Nothing's changed with regard to Rihanna's stance toward this case ... She will testify if subpoenaed and will do everything that's required of her to do." Currently the singer, is "doing fine," says Etra. "She's in Barbados now with her family."
Legal experts contend that the case will likely end with Brown accepting a plea deal on lesser charges with anywhere from a 30- to 180-day jail sentence and three to five years probation.
"A plea deal would be the quickest and least messy way to end this case," says L.A. criminal defense attorney Jeffery Rubenstein, who's not involved with the case. "It would also let Rihanna off the hook from testifying in court."
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