James Brown's attorney has an explanation for "The Godfather of Soul's" less-than-flattering look in a mug photo taken after his arrest for domestic abuse charges earlier this week.

Jim Huff said Brown looks disheveled in his mug shot because he was one of 300,000 South Carolina residents who lost electricity in an ice storm.

Huff said authorities would have liked Brown to have cleaned up before having the picture taken, "so yes, he looked less than what he usually does."

Brown, 70, was charged Wednesday after an alleged domestic violence incident at his Beech Island, S.C., home.

According to investigators on the case, Brown allegedly pushed his wife, 33-year-old Tomi Rae Brown, to the floor after an argument in the couple's bedroom. Police said Tomi Rae Brown also had scratches and bruises on her arm and hip and was taken to the hospital.

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Godfather Of Soul Released From Jail

During a 911 call, the couple can be heard arguing before Brown tells the dispatcher his wife needed medical help. If convicted, Brown could face up to 30 days in jail and a fine of $500.

After his release from jail on a personal recognizance bond Thursday, Brown said he loves his wife and he "would never" beat her.

Later, when a reporter asked Brown if he and his wife would stay together, Brown said, "I'm ready to go to work. I've gotta go to the U.N. I'm going to see about saving our country. That's first -- God and country."

Brown served 2½ years in prison after a 1988 arrest on drug and assault charges and was also convicted of a drug-related offense in 1998. He was granted a pardon by the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services last year.

Brown has recorded such classic hits "I Got You (I Feel Good)" and "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag."