SAN RAFAEL, CA -- A San Quentin chaplain accused of choking his wife with an electrical cord last month is being ordered to return to court at the end of May.

Sixty-six year-old Rafeeq Hassan was arraigned yesterday on felony charges of assault with a deadly weapon and inflicting corporal injury on a spouse.

Deputy District Attorney Charles Cacciatore said the case was continued until May 30 so Hassan could hire an attorney. Hassan was arrested April 24 after the incident on his home on the prison grounds.

Investigators said Hassan choked his wife with his hands and an electrical cord during an argument involving "housing issues."

San Rafael firefighters treated his wife at the scene. Hassan, who is currently free on bail, and has not been suspended from his job by prison officials. He could face up to four years in prison if he is convicted.