Singer Bruno Mars’ court date rescheduled for Dec. 14

Singer and songwriter Bruno Mars' first appearance in Las Vegas Justice Court was continued Thursday following his September arrest for cocaine possession at the Hard Rock Hotel.

Mars, who did not appear in court, had his appearance rescheduled for Dec. 14.

Mars was charged with one felony count of possession of a controlled substance. Under state law a first time drug possession is probationable offense.

Mars, whose real name is Peter Hernandez, was arrested at 2:40 a.m. on Sept. 19 at the Hard Rock after security confronted him in a restroom and discovered him with cocaine.

Mars' musical career has soared in popularity for singing and co-writing pop hits "Nothin' On You" by B.o.B, and "Billionaire" by Travie McCoy.

He recently scored a Billboard No.1 hit with his song 'Just the way you are.'

The 25-year-old is being represented by defense attorneys Blair Berk of Los Angeles and David Chesnoff of Las Vegas.

Berk declined to comment Thursday.

According to a Las Vegas police arrest report, Mars, who was wearing a striped red shirt and jeans, was seen with a baggy of white powder in a restroom stall by an attendant who told hotel security.

When confronted by hotel security Mars handed over the baggy.

Mars later asked a police officer, " 'Can I speak to you honestly, sir?' Hernandez (Mars) admitted he did a foolish thing and has never used drugs before," according to the arrest report.

There was no indication Thursday by prosecutors or Mars' attorneys that the two sides were negotiating the case.

Also in September, celebrity socialite Paris Hilton negotiated her drug possession case with prosecutors and received a year of probation after pleading guilty to two misdemeanors. Hilton had been arrested in August after a small baggy of cocaine fell out of her handbag in front of a police lieutenant.

Chesnoff also represented Hilton in that case.