COMPTON, Calif. - Nate Dogg pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges of stalking and threatening his estranged wife, and a court commissioner doubled his bail.
The rapper, whose real name is Nathaniel Dwayne Hale, appeared in a Compton courtroom in a wheelchair Wednesday morning. His attorney says he remains in treatment after suffering a stroke and requested that Hale remain free so he can continue rehabilitation.
Prosecutors, however, say the incidents that resulted in Hale's arrest last month occurred after his stroke and they think he still poses a threat.
Hale was arraigned Wednesday on charges of making criminal threats, stalking and a misdemeanor charge of driving while his license was suspended for a drunken driving violation. He pleaded not guilty, and the commissioner doubled Hale's bail to $100,000 and ordered him to stay away from his wife.
Hale's attorney, Shepard Kopp, says the charges stem from a pair of e-mails Hale sent his wife and wants the stalking charge dropped.
Nate Dogg is scheduled to appear in court again in early August. The 38-year-old was ordered to remain at the courthouse until a bail bondsman arrived.
Hale made his name appearing on songs alongside rappers such as Snoop Dogg, Warren G, 50 Cent and Eminem.
