Chris Brown pleaded not guilty in a Los Angeles courtroom yesterday (4/6) to assault charges that stem from an alleged February attack on Rihanna, according to a Reuters report. Brown, who is formally charged with assaulting Rihanna "by means of force likely to produce great bodily injury" and threatening to commit a crime "which could result in death and great bodily injury," could face up to four years in prison if convicted.

A police affidavit said Brown, 19, shoved Rihanna's head against the passenger window, repeatedly punched her in the face, bit her ear and finger, and put her into a headlock, according to Reuters. At one point during the alleged attack, Brown told Rihanna he was going to kill her, according to the affidavit.

Rihanna's attorney reportedly told reporters after the hearing that his pop star client hoped a plea bargain could be struck, but that she would testify against Brown if required.

Brown's next hearing is scheduled for April 29.