The D.A. involved in Chris Brown’ case told Rihanna’s lawyer, Donald Etra, that she would be expected at the next court hearing via subpoena.
“The DA has advised me that she will be subpoenaed [to testify],” Etra said. “She absolutely will comply.”
The DA confirmed to Etra that a motion by Brown’s lawyer, Mark Geragos, to gain access to police records in order to discover who leaked a photo of Rihanna’s injuries was denied, though Geragos will have the right to cross-examine Rihanna when she takes the stand.
As for the “Umbrella” singer’s current state of mind, Etra said, “She’s doing fine. She’s monitoring closely the proceedings of this case.”
To make it even tougher for Rihanna, Chris Brown will also be present at the hearing and will listen to her testimony.
According to Geragos, the prosecution will outline their case against the embattled R&B star. The D.A. is expected to call the officers who were first to respond to the scene and find the bloodied Rihanna. After the proceeding is complete, the judge will decide if there’s enough evidence to go to trial.
Brown 20, has pleaded not guilty to the charges, for which he could face up to four years and eight months in prison; experts say the case is likely to end in a plea deal. Rihanna will be called to the stand to testify at Chris’ preliminary hearing on June 22, 2009.
