Chris Brown Expected To No-Show Today's Court Proceedings

UPDATE: The Judge has set a date of May 28th for Brown's preliminary hearing. Brown did not attend today's hearing.

Chris Brown is not required to attend court in Los Angeles Wednesday morning, when a preliminary hearing date will be scheduled for the embattled R&B singer.

Brown is accused of punching, choking, and biting his then-girlfriend, Robyn "Rihanna" Fenty in Los Angeles after a pre-Grammy Awards party February 8th. He is charged with felony assault likely to cause great bodily injury and making criminal threats.

A source told RadarOnline.com Tuesday that a plea deal is "close, but not imminent" between the District Attorney's office and Brown's attorney Mark Geragos, who are reportedly getting closer in their negotiations.

If the two sides fail to agree upon a deal, and the case progresses to the preliminary hearing stage, the case will be presented to a judge who will then decide if there is enough evidence to make Brown stand trial.

Rihanna's attorney, Donald Etra, said that the "Disturbia" singer would prefer if prosecutors and Brown reach a plea agreement before a trial, but that she would testify if called upon.

RadarOnline.com will keep you posted on any breaking developments in this story. (Photo: WENN)