Chris Brown -- I'm Not a Prisoner, So Don't Treat Me Like One!

Chris Brown claims it's outrageous that the U.S. Attorney wants to shackle him and haul him on Con Air from L.A. to Washington D.C. for his assault trial later this month ... because he's NOT a prisoner.

Chris' lawyer, Mark Geragos, was in court today arguing his client should be allowed out of L.A. County Jail in a few weeks so he can fly back on his own to face trial in D.C.

Geragos claims in legal docs -- obtained by TMZ -- that to put Chris on a Con Air flight would deprive him of his right to spend necessary time with his lawyer so he can prepare for courtroom battle.

The D.C. case is set for trial April 17, and based on what we know prosecutors have problems with the misdemeanor assault charge.