Assault Charges Against Chris Brown Dropped To Misdemeanor

WASHINGTON (WJZ) -- R&B superstar Chris Brown finds himself in trouble with the law again, this time outside of a D.C. hotel. The Grammy Award winner is accused of punching a man in the face after a fan tried to jump in a picture with him after he told the man no.

Rochelle Ritchie has more.

The judge reduced the felony assault case against Brown and his bodyguard to a misdemeanor simple assault. Both men entered a not guilty plea.

Brown has topped the charts across the country as a pop sensation but Monday, he found himself off the stage and in front of a judge after being charged with simple assault in D.C.

Chris Brown's troubles started at Hotel Washington just a few yards from the White House. According to police reports, he punched a man in the face after he tried to take a picture with Brown.

Brown--guarded by law enforcement and bodyguards--raised a peace sign as he left the courtroom, leaving his attorney to do all the talking.

"Christopher Brown committed no crime. We understand his security acted to protect Mr. Brown and his property, as he is authorized to do under District of Columbia law," his attorney said.

Brown certainly tops the charts with his music but his behavior outside of the studio has some fans questioning if he's really learned his lesson from a violent past.

"He has to think about the reaction. You don't have to react to everything," said a fan.

Brown is still on probation for a domestic violence case, in which he reportedly beat up his ex-girlfriend, pop star Rihanna.

Brown entered a not guilty plea in the D.C. assault. The alleged victim in the case is from Beltsville and the police report says he suffered broken bones in the nasal area.

Brown is due back in D.C. for a second court appearance Nov. 25. The judge also ordered Brown to undergo drug treatment and report to his probation officer in Los Angeles.

Other Local News: