Hank Williams Jr has enjoyed a 40-year career

Holly Hornbeak claims the singer swore at her, tried to kiss her and then choked her in March this year.

A judge in Memphis, Tennessee ruled that probable cause was established and sent the case to a grand jury.

Mr Williams' attorney, Leslie Ballin, called the charges "an attempt at a financial hijacking".

A private attorney hired by Ms Hornbeak's parents demanded $250,000 (�132,800) from Williams two days after the alleged assault.

But Ms Hornbeak denies that the case is being driven by money.

"It was a serious attack and this is not something you take lightly," she said.

The waitress, who was 19 at the time of the alleged incident, testified that she had red marks and bruising on her neck the next day.

Williams, 57, who lives in Paris, Tennessee, faces up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,500 (�1,060) if found guilty.

At the time of the alleged incident, he was staying in Memphis while his daughters Holly and Hilary Williams were recovering from injuries suffered in a car crash.

The son of '40s and '50s music star Hank Williams, he has had a string of hit country singles including Family Tradition and All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight.