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Electra Schrock, a blonde divorcee and Buddhist, has pleaded not guilty to assaulting actor Charlie Sheen at his rented Malibu apartment last month.
Schrock, 47, is accused of choking Sheen, 56, during an altercation on December 20, leaving him with bruises and scratches on his neck.
She is charged with 'felony assault by means of force likely to produce great bodily injury', which carries a maximum sentence of four years in prison.
She appeared in court on Tuesday, wearing a black suit and a face mask, and spoke only to enter her plea and confirm her identity.
She was released on $50,000 bail and ordered to stay away from Sheen and his apartment complex.
Sheen, who starred in hit shows such as Two and a Half Men and Anger Management, did not attend the hearing.
His lawyer, Marty Singer, said that Sheen was 'quite fearful' of Schrock and that he had no prior relationship with her.
He said that Schrock had approached Sheen at his apartment and asked him to join her for a meditation session.
He said that Sheen declined and tried to close the door, but Schrock forced her way in and attacked him.
He said that Sheen managed to escape and call 911, and that Schrock was arrested by the police shortly after.
He said that Sheen was 'shocked and traumatized' by the incident and that he hoped that Schrock would be held accountable for her actions.
He also said that Sheen had moved out of the apartment and was looking for a new place to live.
Schrock's lawyer, Mark Geragos, said that his client was innocent and that she had acted in self-defense.
He said that Sheen had invited Schrock to his apartment and that he had become aggressive and violent towards her.
He said that Schrock had tried to calm him down and that she had only grabbed his neck to protect herself.
He said that Sheen had a history of substance abuse and domestic violence and that he was trying to smear Schrock's reputation.
He also said that Schrock was a peaceful and spiritual person who practiced Buddhism and meditation.
He said that Schrock had no criminal record and that she was a successful businesswoman and a mother of two.
He said that Schrock was confident that she would be cleared of the charges and that she was looking forward to her day in court.
The case is scheduled to resume on February 22 for a preliminary hearing, where the judge will decide if there is enough evidence to proceed to trial.
