On Monday, the singer Chris Brown pleaded not guilty to threatening and physically assaulting his girlfriend, singer Rihanna. Rihanna's lawyer was hoping that a plea deal could be made before the case went to trial and has stated that Rihanna would testify if it is required. If Brown is convicted, he could be sentenced to probation or as much as five years in prison. In March, he was charged by Los Angeles County prosecuters with felony assault likely to cause great bodyily injury and making criminal threats.