attorney Archives - New Hip Hop News

Justin Combs’ Lawyer Slams Feds For “Dirtying” Potential Jury Pool

April 6, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Justin Combs’ attorney, Jeffrey Lichtman, has accused the federal agents who raided Diddy’s homes in Los Angeles and Miami of attempting to manipulate a potential jury pool by tipping off the press about the incidents ahead of time. Lichtman is known for previously representing the infamous drug trafficker, El Chapo as well as mobster John Gotti Jr.

Speaking on his show, Beyond the Legal Limit, Lichtman ranted: “They were all there, ready to record it. They were all there, told about it and breathlessly reporting what anonymous agents of law enforcement are telling them about what they’re looking for, evidence of sex trafficking. That’s bad because that’s just an evil thing for our government or law enforcement to do.” He added: “By using the press to leak what they’re looking for, they’re just dirtying a potentially future jury pool.”

Justin Combs & Christian Combs Pose With Diddy

ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 08: (L-R) Justin Combs, Sean “Diddy” Combs, and Christian “King” Combs arrive at Macy’s to premier Sean John new fragrance launch at Macy’s Lenox Square on September 8, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Marcus Ingram/Getty Images for Macy’s/Sean John)

Coincidentally, Stevie J, who was in the house in Miami when the feds entered, recently compared the incident to a raid on El Chapo’s property. “I was at his crib in his studio,” Stevie told TMZ, earlier this week. “I was sitting outside the studio door and I heard a big ‘Boom!’ I’ve witnessed some historical events of excessive force but none like this. Since Saddam Hussein or El Chapo or Pablo Escobar… even Osama Bin Laden. I heard a big boom … I heard it again. Turn my head I’m hearing, ‘Doo-doo-doo-doo.’ Three big armored vehicles come, dudes jump out. I got 50 dots on my shirt screaming, ‘Get on the fucking ground.’ They took me outside, I asked to speak to the higher-ups, asked who was under arrest and they said, ‘No, you’re being detained.’ ‘I want to speak to the higher-ups.’ They said, ‘No, you’re not [under arrest], we’ll let you go.’”

Jeffrey Lichtman Speaks Out

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It appears that Christian Combs, Justin’s brother, has retained the help of his father’s attorney, Aaron Dyer. Diddy has not been charged with any crimes. Be on the lookout for further updates on Justin Combs and Diddy on HotNewHipHop.

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Tory Lanez’s Attorney Claims There’s More To Megan Thee Stallion Shooting Than The Public Knows

October 26, 2023 by newhiphopnews

During a recent interview on The Word With Jackie Rae, Tory Lanez’s attorneys Crystal Morgan and Michael Hayden spoke on the performer’s 10-year prison sentence. For those who don’t know, he’s behind bars for shooting Megan Thee Stallion outside of a party back in 2020. Though he’s maintained his innocence, a judge handed him the decade-long sentence in August.

His second motion for release on bail is currently pending, after the judge denied his first request last month. Most spectators believe that they’ve got a pretty decent grasp on what took place the night of the shooting. His legal team, however, claims that there’s much more to the story than the public knows. Morgan even says that she would tell the whole story herself, if it were ethical.

Attorneys Speak On Tory Lanez’s Case

“There is a lot of shroud and mystery around this,” she explained. “The full story didn’t come out — I think a lot of people want to hear it. If I was able to say it, I would share with the world, but ethically I cannot say it and it’s not my story to share.” Morgan continued, describing how she believes that Lanez is having such a tough time appealing his case due to the public’s perception of him. “Our justice system overall has kind of moved from ‘innocent until you’re proven guilty’ to ‘guilty and you have to prove you’re innocent,’” she said. “So I really find that like with not just Tory Lanez’s case but a lot of our cases, we’re in a uphill battle because, y’know, people’s minds are already made up.”

It remains unclear what kind of new details the “full story” includes, and whether or not they could point to Lanez being innocent. What do you think of Tory Lanez’s attorneys claiming there’s more to the story of Megan Thee Stallion’s shooting? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

[Via]

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Young Thug’s Lawyer Seeks To Remove YSL Polo From RICO Trial Due To His Behavior

September 2, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Multiple YSL affiliates are still behind bars following multiple delays in jury selection and other factors in the rap-centered collective’s RICO case. While most of the attention is understandably on Young Thug, his codefendants are proving to be just as important in this trial, for better or worse. Moreover, a lot of these delays occurred due to the court severing other affiliates from the trial for a variety of reasons. Many of these relate to the individuals’ behavior, mental health, and series of crimes committed while awaiting trial in this case. This new instance of that has unclear context behind it, but Thug’s legal team believes it could be a detriment.

Furthermore, new footage of YSL Polo’s odd movements and refusal to give verbal acknowledgement in court caused concern among many. Not only is this due to his own health and state of mind, but in terms of how it will affect Young Thug and the YSL trial as a whole. Thugger’s attorney Brian Steel witnessed this, and according to a newly surfaced motion, wants to take action. He filed to sever Polo, real name Cordarius Dorsey, from this trial to ensure a fair process for his client.

YSL Polo Causes Concern For Young Thug’s Legal Team

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“Jeffery Williams, by and through undersigned counsel, hereby files this motion to Sever Parties in the above-referenced case,” Young Thug’s team’s motion reads. “In support of this Motion, Mr. Williams shows as follows. Mr. Williams is innocent of all charges in the above-referenced indictment. Mr. Dorsey, a co-indictee, has displayed unprofessional and unacceptable conduct in Court, in the presence of this Honorable Court, as announced on the Record on Thursday, August 31, 2023.

“Based upon information and belief, during a separate trial, Mr. Dorsey, using movements with his hands, threatened the prosecutors as well as the jurors,” it continues. “Mr. Williams has filed a Demand for Speedy Trial and will not upset that Demand for Speedy Trial. However, Mr. Williams asks this Honorable Court to exercise its discretion and sever Mr. Dorsey so that Mr. Williams’ Constitutional right to a fair trial is not prejudiced.” Despite these difficulties, the Atlanta trap pioneer holds his head high in court. For more news and the latest updates on Young Thug and YSL, log back into HNHH.

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YFN Lucci’s Attorney Issues Motion Demanding Speedy Trial

September 1, 2023 by newhiphopnews

YFN Lucci’s RICO case has been in the courts for a long time, but there’s been little progression when it comes to bringing it fully underway. In that meantime, various developments came into effect, but none that have fully kept the trial moving, for understandable or confusing reasons. As such, the rapper’s legal team seeks to apply pressure to the court to move it forward as much as they can within a specific timeframe. Moreover, his attorney filed a motion demanding a speedy trial on Wednesday (August 30) that details its conditions and expectations. Apparently, if the court agrees, they could acquit the Atlanta MC of all charges if his trial doesn’t fully begin soon.

“I hereby certify that I have on this day served a true and correct copy of the within and foregoing DEMAND FOR SPEEDY TRIAL upon all parties or counsel of record via US Postal Service, hand delivery, or the Court’s e-filing system,” the motion reads. “Submitted this the 30th day of August, 2023. …Prosecutor and Judge’s chambers with a copy of this Demand For Speedy Trial. Therefore, Mr. Bennett respectfully requests that he be tried at this Term of Court or at the next Term of Court or the following Term of this Court. In default of such trial, [he requests] that he be fully acquitted and discharged of said offenses lodged against him in the instant Indictment.”

YFN Lucci’s Lawyer’s Speedy Trial Motion

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Reportedly, these court terms refer to the next six months, which sets a deadline for the court to try YFN Lucci. That seems quite optimistic considering the trajectory of the trial so far. Still, it’s possible that the court came close to putting this case in motion. While this motion seems like a Hail Mary, this legal battle is no stranger to surprises.

Meanwhile, among the most notable recent happenings in this case is that the 32-year-old denied a plea deal. Furthermore, it seems like he and his team want to fight this without resorting to extracurricular methods. They fought hard to get to this point, and this extra pressure could force authorities to avoid the risk of letting him go. For more news and the latest updates on YFN Lucci, check back in with HNHH.

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Tory Lanez’s Lawyer Updates His Appeal Process, Addresses His Italy Trip

August 26, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Tory Lanez wants to move forward with his appeal process for his 10-year sentence for shooting Megan Thee Stallion, but has some bumps in the road to go over first. For example, his attorney Jose Baez hadn’t filed the motion for this yet despite promises that he would do so promptly. Moreover, these reports came from Meghann Cuniff, the independent reporter who’s covered this case extensively and drawn the ire of Tory’s team as a result. In addition, she said that Baez was posting snaps from an Italy trip. The lawyer recently took to Instagram to comment on these reports and provide a status update on the post-sentence process for the Canadian artist.

“It has been brought to my attention that a blogger [Cuniff] has claimed that Tory Lanez is not a priority because I’m allegedly in Italy,” Baez wrote. “For the record I travel to Italy 2 to 4 times a year. I have both business interests as well as clients who have business in Italy. It is a beautiful country and a privilege to visit. This blogger has had a clear bias against Tory and has attacked everyone associated with him as well as made numerous inaccurate assumptions. In fairness to her, she has no legal training and has never worked in the court system [not true, by the way], so her opinions have little to no merit whatsoever.” In addition, he took a screenshot of an account that alleges that Cuniff “is a drunk.”

Tory Lanez’s Lawyer Refutes Meghann Cuniff

Tory Lanez Appeal Attorney Italy Hip Hop News

In another Story post, he actually updated people on Tory’s situation. “Finally to all of Tory’s fans,” Baez stated. “I can report that because his motion for a new trial covered many of the issues that will be appealed, we are way ahead of schedule. The court reporter has not completed all of the transcripts and until that happens he must wait to file the appeal. As for other motions Tory is evaluating ALL of his options. Thank you all, he appreciates your support.”

More Updates From Jose Baez

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Meanwhile, it’s unclear whether Baez meant to refer to Meghann Cuniff as the “court reporter.” Either way, it sounds odd on the outside, but there’s probably a lot of legal processes that he’s simply abiding by. Regardless, the appeal process will move forward eventually, and the court’s decision might end this case for now. For more news and the latest updates on Tory Lanez, come back to HNHH.

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Tory Lanez’s Attorney Hasn’t Filed Motion For His Bail As He Posts Snaps From Italy

August 25, 2023 by newhiphopnews

The Tory Lanez case has been slowly dying down following his sentencing, and it looks like that’s the case even for his lawyers. Moreover, Meghann Cuniff, who’s been covering the case diligently, recently gave an update via Twitter on its status. She relayed that it’s been over two weeks since the Canadian artist’s attorney Jose Baez promised to file a motion for his bail amid conviction appeals and his sentence. As of writing this article, there’s no such motion on the floor. However, it seems like Baez isn’t too concerned, as he posted pictures on his social media of an Italy vacation.

In addition, Cuniff stated that Tory Lanez’s notice of appeal appeared in court filings on August 10. While the Court of Appeals’ website doesn’t yet reflect an open case, she predicted that it would come up soon. Also, she clarified that upon the filing of an opening brief, that will show significant movement, but that said outcome probably won’t happen for a couple more months. It sounds a bit confusing, but the gist (if we’re interpreting correctly) is that, despite a conviction and sentence, this case is far, far from over in the appeals and bail circuit.

Meghan Cuniff’s New Reports On Tory Lanez

2+ weeks since Tory Lanez’s lawyer Jose Baez said he’d file a motion to bail Lanez out of jail as he appeals his convictions and 10-year prison sentence. No motion has been filed, and I’m not sure how much of a priority it is for Baez: He’s posting Instagram stories from Italy. pic.twitter.com/U8jFVUoDB1

— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) August 25, 2023

Despite these remarks, Cuniff made it clear that this doesn’t mean that there won’t be a bail motion at all. Even if it takes a bit longer to do, due to the lawyer’s Italian trek or otherwise, it will be implemented in all likelihood. Still, the journalist also suggested that it’s very unlikely that Judge Herriford grants it, although she made space to acknowledge that things have gone left in Tory Lanez’s case before. As such, it seems like things are still a matter of time.

Meanwhile, a lot of recent discussion around this case surrounds letters of support that artists sent to the court, praising Lanez’s character. That caused a lot of controversy against these celebrities and others, especially with the guilty conviction in hindsight. With all this in mind, there will probably be a lot more to discuss around this divisive event in the future. On that note, stay up to date on HNHH for the latest news and updates on Tory Lanez.

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Polo G’s Attorney Speaks Out Following Police Raid

August 23, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Polo G’s attorney, Bradford Cohen, has released a statement regarding the rapper’s recent run-in with the law in Los Angeles. His detainment came after police raided his home and found a firearm on the property. Cohen has explained that this is simply to “verify” his client isn’t a convicted felon.

“The incident surrounded someone staying in Polo’s home and not Polo directly,” Cohen told XXL. “The officers have detained Polo to ‘verify’ that he is not a convicted felon, as they assert a firearm was found in the home. It is widely known that Polo is not a convicted felon and never was a convicted felon. I personally got all his charges in Miami dismissed when he was in our opinion wrongfully arrested and charged. They have refused to allow us access to our client which is also an illegal and unethical practice and someone will have to answer for these new wrongful actions.”

Polo G Performs At Rolling Loud

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 28: Polo G performs during Rolling Loud N.Y.C. 2021 at Citi Field on October 28, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Astrida Valigorsky/Getty Images)

On Wednesday morning, police swarmed Polo G’s home. Afterward, the rapper was spotted being carried away in handcuffs. A law enforcement source for TMZ told the outlet they executed the search warrant in relation to a robbery and 4 suspects had been taken into custody. A rep from Polo G’s team clarified that he wasn’t the focus of the active investigation.

The legal troubles for the rapper come after he recently hinted about considering retirement. “This rap shit got so l*me and watered down it ain’t no fun in it no more,” he wrote in one post on Twitter. He later added: “Honestly after my hood poet album I’m considering retiring from music [purple heart emoji, two hand-heart emojis] so I appreciate everybody ridin for me 10 fold [tornado emoji].” Be on the lookout for further updates on Polo G’s legal status on HotNewHipHop.

[Via]

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Young Thug’s Attorney Denies Claims The Rapper Provided Information About A Homicide

June 29, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Earlier this week, Young Thug’s attorney filed a motion for the testimony of a police witness to be blocked. In the motion, he claims that the witness will make false statements to the jury. According to information obtained by XXL, attorney Brian Steel thinks that the witness, Det. Quinn, will claim that he previously received information from Young Thug regarding an unsolved murder. It’s unconfirmed when the witness claims the incident allegedly took place. However, the motion alleges that he provided the information to police when he was a “very young man.”

The motion says, “Based upon information and belief, the prosecution and some of its witnesses, including but not limited to Det. Quinn, may wrongly state that Mr. Jeffery Williams was in the back of their police car at some point and gave information on a murder case.” It continues, “Same is untrue. However, same also places Mr. Williams’ character in issue by being in a locked police car and having information on a murder. This evidence must be excluded because same is not accurate; places Mr. Williams’ character at issue; and is irrelevant to the trial of the above-referenced case.”

Brian Steel Believes Witness Will Provide Inaccurate Information

Young Thug's Attorney Denies Claims The Rapper Provided Information About A Homicide — Hip-hop artist Young Thug arrives at a release party for his new album “PUNK” at Delilah on October 12, 2021 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Michael Tullberg/Getty Images)

Young Thug recently released a new album from behind bars, titled BUSINESS IS BUSINESS. It was released amid his ongoing RICO trial, and the rapper’s fans were eager to hear his latest offering. Due to the buzz surrounding the trial and his loyal fanbase, the album was expected to perform well.

Unfortunately, it was recently reported that the album’s first week sales projections have dropped. Initially, it was projected to sell 110K in it’s first week, and now, it’s expected to sell 87K. Despite this, many fans are loving the new LP. It features guest appearances from Drake, 21 Savage, Travis Scott, Lil Uzi Vert, Future, and more.

[Via]

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Kodak Black’s Lawyer Compares His Case To Hunter Biden’s: “2 Tiers Of Justice?”

June 22, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Kodak Black’s defense attorney, Bradford Cohen, recently shared his thoughts on Hunter Biden’s recent plea deal on social media. He shared a post on Instagram, where he expresses the hypocrisy that he feels surrounds the president’s son’s case. He claims that his client was treated unfairly, receiving a 3-year sentence for the same crime. Hunter Biden isn’t expected to serve any jail time for his charges. They include misdemeanor tax offenses and a felony charge of illegal possession of a firearm.

Kodak Black was contrastingly sentenced to almost four years in prison for his gun charge. He served around half of the 46-month sentence before receiving commutation from former President Donald Trump. He had pleaded guilty to falsifying federal paperwork in order to purchase a gun, and was released in January of 2021. “2 tiers of justice?” Cohen asked on Instagram, “Kodak was charged for the same crime. Got over 3 years.” “Mr. Biden will not serve a day,” he continued, “Feels right? Do FBI agents and federal authorities take cases personally? I’m going to discuss this on my subscriber page.”

Bradford Cohen Calls Out Hypocrisy

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The attorney also discussed the matter on Fox News. “There’s no such thing as not getting jail time on a gun charge on any kind of gun charge,” Cohen explained, “I’ve never seen anyone where this offense was charged and they didn’t get some sort of prison sentence.” He went on, “And in fact, most of the time in federal court, you very rarely see people get anything but a prison sentence.” Cohen also added, “I think that this is like, you know, they figured the easiest way for them to save face [was] to charge him, not give him prison, and then hope that [Joe] Biden doesn’t give him a pardon until he’s on his way out two years.”

Cohen also recently shared his thoughts on YNW Melly’s current double murder trial earlier this month, claiming that it “will be a tough case for the prosecution.” He went on to say that “the case has built in reasonable doubt.” He also said “they can’t say someone else didn’t get in the car or someone else did the shooting.”

[Via]

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YNW Melly’s Lead Attorney Motions For Mistrial

June 15, 2023 by newhiphopnews

On the fourth day of YNW Melly’s double murder trial, his case took an interesting and possibly foreboding turn. Moreover, correspondent Bryson “Boom” Paul reported via Twitter that the rapper’s lead attorney, David A. Howard, requested a mistrial in the case. It’s unclear, at least based on Paul’s initial report, what the motive behind the motion was. Other reports suggest that the mistrial was suggested by the defense after the state brought in evidence that caused too much prejudice in the trial. For those unaware, this refers to evidence that does not further the facts of the case, but rather creates a bias in favor of or in this case against the defendant.

In any case, it seems like the involvement of family members, ex-girlfriends, leaked DMs, and more have cause the jury to become too tainted in the defense’s eyes. Furthermore, Paul reported that Judge Murphy III took the motion for a mistrial under advisement. The court will discuss on Tuesday, June 20 once trial resumes. Until that day comes, this is the last we will hear of YNW Melly’s case in the courtroom.

YNW Melly Defense Requests Mistrial

#YNWMellyTrial: Judge Murphy III will take the move for mistrial under advisement and will discuss it on Tuesday, June 20, once the @YNWMelly Double Murder trial resumes. #ynwmelly #melly #lawandcrime @lawcrimenetwork

— Bryson “Boom” Paul (@brysonboompaul) June 15, 2023

Regardless, debate erupted online as to whether this motion actually means that the Gifford native will walk. Many on Twitter pointed out that it is up to the judge to determine whether a mistrial is in order. As such, celebrations of the request from the “Mixed Personalities” MC’s supporters are moot until it’s approved. Others claimed that if the court deems a case a mistrial on prejudice, then the defendant cannot be tried again. However, this seems to be mostly speculative and largely unconfirmed by the courts, reporters, or other trusted sources. In most cases, an approved mistrial still allows the defendant to be tried again.

In addition, the court’s decision will paint what this mistrial represents: an effort to preserve justice or to dismiss relevant evidence. While it for now seems to fall under the former category, no one can truly know for sure. This is also another potential victory after the court sided with the 24-year-old by not allowing other evidence to be presented based on prejudice. For the latest news and updates on the YNW Melly case, log back into HNHH.

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