JERSEY SHORE STAR RONNIE PLEADS NOT GUILTY TO AGGRAVATED ASSAULT!

Ronnie Ortiz-Magro, one-eighth of MTV's ratings smash "Jersey Shore," pleaded not guilty to a single charge of third-degree aggravated assault on Monday, MyCentralJersey.com reported.

The reality show's tough guy had been indicted in December over a September 2009 altercation with Stephen Izzo in New Jersey's Seaside Heights.

After a night of drinking and clubbing, Ortiz-Magro, 25, allegedly punched Izzo one time, knocking him unconscious.

The incident was captured on camera and aired during an episode of the hit show the following January.

Ortiz-Magro, a Bronx native, got off on the wrong foot with Judge Stephanie M. Wauters after he reportedly arrived late to the courtroom.

"You are responsible to be here and be on time," she admonished. "...You must respect the court proceeding. It is serious."

The reality star's attorney, Joseph A. Raia, later claimed that they were both outside the courthouse discussing the case.

Raia entered the not-guilty plea on Ortiz-Magro's behalf, but also noted that they were discussing whether he would enroll in a “pretrial intervention program,” which could ultimately lead to the charge being dismissed.

Oritz-Magro is facing a prison sentence of up to five years if convicted. He is due back in court March 7.


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