The Into the Wild star was charged with third degree felony aggravated assault and misdemeanour intoxication after he reportedly attacked Paramount Pictures executive Daniele Bernfeld at a Sundance Film Festival party in Utah in January (15).

He appeared in court on Monday morning (08Jun15), when Judge Paige Peterson set a 17 August (15) date for a preliminary hearing for prosecutors to present evidence if the two parties cannot reach a plea deal.

The actor's lawyer claims Hirsch, who was drunk at the time of the alleged bust-up, has no recollection of the incident. He checked into a rehab facility in February (15) to deal with his alcohol issues in light of the criminal charges and has since reportedly completed his stint.

Hirsch faces up to five years behind bars and a $5,000 (£3,125) fine if convicted on the felony charge, while the misdemeanour carries a sentence of up to 90 days in jail and a $750 (£469) fine.