R&B star Chris Brown has been arrested and will appear before a judge in Washington, D.C. today to be arraigned on charges that reportedly will include felony assault. Brown, known for his signing and his dance moves that have been compared to Michael Jackson, has had several public run-ins with the law.
According to an ABC News.com report, Brown pled guilty to felony assault in 2009 for his actions in a physical altercation with then girlfriend Rihanna. He was sentenced to five years probation and community service, which was reportedly revoked in July after a hit-and-run accident in Los Angeles.
The latest arrest is for allegedly punching a man in the face outside the W Hotel in downtown D.C. He and his bodyguard allegedly attacked a man who photographed him leaving the hotel.
An arraignment is a procedure where a defendant is formally informed of the charges against him (or her), is asked if he (or she) understands the charges, and is given an opportunity to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. Depending on the charges alleged, the court may also consider arguments regarding release from jail and bail provisions.
It is unknown at this time whether bail will be set for Brown or the amount. However, the court will consider the seriousness of the crime, Brown’s criminal history, the likelihood that he will return to the jurisdiction to participate in the process, as well as his probation status in setting bail.
It will be interesting to see how this latest incident will be handled between judges in different states.
Source: ABC News.com, “Chris Brown arrested after ‘altercation’ in Washington, D.C.,” Kevin Dolak, October 27, 2013