Singer Chris Brown appeared in a Los Angeles courtroom Monday afternoon (April 6) and pleaded not guilty to threatening and assaulting girlfriend Rihanna back in February.

According to the Associated Press, the 19-year-old entered his plea, speaking in a soft voice, while standing alongside his lawyer, Mark Gergos.

His mother was reportedly in the front row as well.

Following the hearing, Rihanna's lawyer said that the signer hopes that a plea deal could be reached before a trial could begin. "She would be pleased if this was over quickly," attorney Donald Etra said. However, he reiterated that, if required, Rihanna would testify.

Etra did not speak during the five-minute hearing, but told reporters afterward that Rihanna is in "fine spirits," and is currently spending time with her family in Barbados.

As far as Brown's plea, he said it was "totally expected."

Brown was charged in March by Los Angeles County prosecutors with felony assault likely to cause great bodily injury and making criminal threats. The charges came a month after he was arrested for an early morning altercation on February 8th with Rihanna as they left a Grammy pre-party.

If convicted, Brown could be sentenced to probation or nearly five years in prison.

Since the incident, neither Brown nor Rihanna have publicly addressed the fight.

Brown and his lawyer had no comment, and quickly left the courthouse.