defense attorney

Diddy Puts Together A New Legal Team Following Third Bail Attempt

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Diddy has been denied bail twice, but that’s not going to stop him from finding a solution. Previously, the embattled mogul had his attorney offer up $50,000,000 which included the sales of his and his mother’s homes in Miami. In that same bail package was limited travel between Florida and New York for essential matters. After shutting down that proposal, Diddy and his legal team appealed and did so with a second option. He was willing to sacrifice not having any female visitors besides his family members and other vital contacts such as property caretakers.

There would also be no contact with witnesses, co-conspirators, daily logs would be taken of visitors each day, and he would do daily drug tests. The court voted no on that, so what does Diddy have up his sleeve this time? Well, according to a report from TMZ, he is adding to new pieces to what he hopes will be the defense team to get him out of jail before trial. One of those fresh faces is Anthony Ricco, who we previously reported on after the Bad Boy Records boss filed another appeal for Judge Andrew Carter’s decision to deny their requests for a release under any circumstance.

Read More: Drake Hints At Release Date For PARTYNEXTDOOR Collab Album

Diddy Is Recruiting Some Of The Best Attorneys In The Nation

STUDIO CITY, CA – MAY 30: Sean “Diddy” Combs attends the premiere of Fox’s “The Four: Battle For Stardom” Season 2 at CBS Studios – Radford on May 30, 2018 in Studio City, California. (Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images)

On top of Ricco (who is a top-tier trial lawyer in the U.S.), Alexandra Shapiro is also onboard. TMZ hears that she is a real force as far as appellate lawyers go. Given how stingy the judge has been throughout the early stages of this case, this may not work out in Diddy’s favor. But since he’s facing a max of life behind prison walls, he’s going to scratch and claw his way out.

What are your thoughts on Diddy building a new legal team for bail attempt number three? Do you think this will lead to his release? We would like to hear what you have to say, so leave your thoughts in the comments. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Diddy and his ongoing case. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on in the music world.

Read More: Nicki Minaj Pens Heartwarming Birthday Message To Her Son “Papa Bear”

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Trump Trial Day 18: Michael Cohen’s Credibility Takes a Hit in Brutal Cross Examination by Defense Attorney

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Michael Cohen’s Credibility Takes a Hit in Brutal Cross Examination by Defense Attorney

Oh, it got live during the Trump criminal trial. It’s day 18, which may have marked a turning point for the defense. Donald Trump’s attorney, Todd Blanche, raised his voice and flailed his arms at Michael Cohen, accusing the prosecution’s star witness of fabricating a phone conversation with Trump just before Cohen sent $130,000 to Stormy Daniels’ attorney in October 2016. Blanche confronted Cohen with text messages exchanged with Keith Schiller, who Cohen claimed had put Trump on the phone, which was unrelated to Trump or Daniels.

This was the most dramatic moment in Cohen’s cross-examination in the hush money case and the clearest example yet of the defense’s effort to cast doubt on Cohen’s memory of phone calls and other significant interactions with Trump in 2016. To sum up, Cohen did not look good, and the prosecution may have been caught off guard. Still, Cohen never lost his composure, and that was the silver lining for himself and the DA’s office. 

The court is off Friday so Trump can attend his son Barron’s high school graduation. Cross-examination of Cohen will resume Monday, and summations could begin as soon as Tuesday.

Here are the key takeaways from Day 18 of the Trump hush money trial:

Blanche spent several hours on cross-examination before addressing the evidence directly related to the case. He focused on an October 24, 2016, phone call that Trump’s bodyguard, Schiller, allegedly placed to Cohen. Under questioning from prosecutors, Cohen testified that he was reaching out to Schiller to discuss “the Stormy Daniels matter and the resolution of it.”

Blanche spent hours highlighting Cohen’s inconsistent statements to undermine his credibility over the years. He questioned Cohen on various topics, including his recanted 2018 guilty plea on tax charges, his desire to work in the White House, and his statements about seeking a pardon from Trump.

Blanche challenged Cohen on his aspirations to join Trump’s White House, which was revealed through private communications with his daughter and others like Pastor Darrell Scott. Despite this, Cohen maintained that he only ever wanted to be Trump’s attorney. He also admitted that while he publicly testified to Congress that he never sought a pardon, he had sought one through his attorney and later informed lawmakers of this behind closed doors.

For much of Cohen’s testimony, Trump appeared disengaged, often sitting with his eyes shut. However, Trump’s demeanor changed on Thursday afternoon as the focus shifted to Cohen and the media. He sat up and faced Cohen directly while Blanche questioned the witness about his conversations with New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman, who had previously been mentioned in the trial via a Trump tweet attacking her in 2018.

Before adjourning for the weekend, Judge Merchan instructed the lawyers to be ready for summations on Tuesday, indicating that the jury could have the case as early as next week. Prosecutors stated they have no other witnesses after Cohen, while the defense plans to call one campaign finance expert, though this is not definite. The defense may also call additional witnesses to challenge testimony, and Trump’s team has not decided whether Trump will testify in his defense.

The post Trump Trial Day 18: Michael Cohen’s Credibility Takes a Hit in Brutal Cross Examination by Defense Attorney first appeared on The Source.

The post Trump Trial Day 18: Michael Cohen’s Credibility Takes a Hit in Brutal Cross Examination by Defense Attorney appeared first on The Source.

Pras Retrial Under Review Due To Defense Lawyer’s Incompetence: Report

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Despite his guilty verdict in a federal trial for political conspiracy and money laundering, it looks like Pras will still get the opportunity to fight for a second chance. Moreover, new reports from Vulture and HipHopDX indicate that earlier this month, the court called for a hearing to discuss the rapper’s defense team for three days. This is in order to determine whether he should get a retrial given the lack of competence demonstrated by his defense attorney David Kenner. For example, Vulture reports that he outsourced work to a remote medical malpractice lawyer, filed his first motion a year after being able to do so, concealed a limiting injury, and did not bring on experienced legal practitioners to assist in the process.

“Unsuccessful is not the same as ineffective,” prosecutor Nicole Lockhart remarked. Given this perceived failure to effectively represent Pras, who faces 20 years in jail on 10 counts, Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly thinks this could warrant a more fair and prepared shot. As such, a sentence, retrial, or plea-bargain talks could surface as the court’s preferred method of handling this, although this is all still presumably under review at press time. According to this case’s conviction last April, the Fugees star allegedly lobbied illegally in the best interests of his colleagues, in-state and overseas, when it comes to campaign donations and other political and economic factors, in addition to other lawsuits.

Read More: Pras Reveals He Only Learned Of Fugees Reunion Last Week

Pras Arrives At Court In April 2023

Pras Retrial Defense Lawyer Hip Hop News
WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 03: Pras Michel, a member of the 1990’s hip-hop group the Fugees, arrives at U.S. District Court on April 3, 2023 in Washington, DC. Michel is on trial for his alleged participation in a campaign finance conspiracy. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

Not only that, but Pras’ former lawyer also allegedly used artificial intelligence to craft their closing statement, tanking their chances. “Kenner’s closing argument made frivolous arguments, misapprehended the required elements, conflated the schemes and ignored critical weaknesses in the government’s case,” his new legal team stated. The A.I. program failed Kenner, and Kenner failed [Pras] Michel. The closing argument was deficient, unhelpful and a missed opportunity that prejudiced the defense.”

Meanwhile, some reports suggest Kenner actually had a financial stake in the company that created this A.I. program, but the company EyeLevel.AI denied this despite his boasting. Regardless of all this, the New Jersey-born artist maintained his innocence. “Pras was never an FBI informant,” his publicist shared. “It’s not accurate and, quite frankly, it’s dangerous. If he was an informant, he would not be on trial. The government does not prosecute and threaten its informants with more than two decades of jail time.” For more news and the latest updates on Pras, stick around on HNHH.

Read More: Wyclef Jean Says Pras Is “100% In Good Spirits” Following Conviction

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Young Thug Defense Attorney’s Opening Statements Reveal Meaning Of Rapper’s Moniker

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Waiting for the YSL RICO trial to finally begin has been an unbelievably lengthy process, but now that Young Thug and his co-defendants are in court, we can hardly keep up with the updates as they come at us. After filing a motion for a mistrial on Monday (November 27), the So Much Fun hitmaker and his defense team were ultimately denied. The “Day Before” artist is no stranger to such circumstances, as his requests for bond over the past 500+ days were all rejected, citing him as a serious flight risk amid the allegations he’s facing.

Thankfully, Thugger has been able to stay positive through it all. He looks to have filled out more during his jail stint, with some speculating this could be a result of clearing drugs and alcohol out of his system. The producer/lyricist is in the capable hands of Brian Steel in court, and on Tuesday (November 28), we heard the attorney’s opening arguments, which were compelling, albeit sort of comedic.

Read More: Lil Wayne’s 2015 Tour Bus Shooting Referenced In Young Thug & YSL RICO Trial

Brian Steel is Standing on Business for Young Thug

While the prosecution is painting a photo of the 32-year-old that reflects a violent, dangerous gang member, Steel insists that his client has holiness watching over him. “Truly Humble Under God, that’s what THUG means,” the celebrity lawyer said in Georgia court this morning. The internet is happy to see things off to such a strong start for Jeffrey Williams and remains hopeful that he’ll walk away from this experience a better man.

It’s been nearly two years of Young Thug being locked away from those he loves most, but still, the Atlanta native knows he’s got an abundance of supporters standing behind him. Among them is his girlfriend, Mariah The Scientist, who’s been sharing frequent updates on the man (and his Candy Crush addiction) with the YSL community. Check out her outfit in support of Thugger’s first day of trial at the link below, and let us know what you think of Brian Steel’s work so far in the comments.

Read More: Mariah The Scientist Sports A Suit And Tie To Day One Of Young Thug’s Trial

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The YSL Trial: Defense Attorney’s Push for Mistrial Denied on Day One

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Defense Attorney's Push for Mistrial Denied on Day One

The YSL Rico Trial is underway, and the opening day saw the defense attempting to receive a mistrial.

According to court reporter Jewel Wicker, Young Thug’s attorney Brian Steel, noted the prosecution had “intentional misconduct” by not providing “all of their displays and opening statements,” which were previously requested by the judge.

“Three weeks ago, you ordered the parties to share all of their displays and opening statement to the others so we don’t have to have these interruptions. I did that,” Steel said. “The state shared with me four attachments. That’s all they had. That’s what I got.”

The mistrial was denied. You can watch the moment below courtesy of 11 Alive.

The post The YSL Trial: Defense Attorney’s Push for Mistrial Denied on Day One first appeared on The Source.

The post The YSL Trial: Defense Attorney’s Push for Mistrial Denied on Day One appeared first on The Source.

Boosie Badazz Laughs At XXXTENTACION Defense Lawyer Over Drake Subpoena

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If you recall earlier this year, the trial for the murder of XXXTENTACION had everyone on the edge of their seats. Moreover, many waited five years since his death to see if he would get at least some form of justice for the killing, and they got it. However, one of the cases most notable developments came from the murderers’ defense lawyers, who tried to claim that Drake organized the whole attack. Furthermore, Boosie Badazz is the latest rapper to toss his hat into the ring of ridicule over that conspiracy. During a recent interview with DJ Vlad, the Baton Rouge MC reflected on that bizarre part of the legal battle.

“You get life if you kill a rapper,” Boosie began. “You ain’t gettin’ no years. Most of the time, especially if you’re this color [Black], you’re getting years. That’s just how it is. That s**t had me dying laughing, bro,” he said of the Drake subpoena attempts when asked by Vlad. “Yeah, they was reaching. I said, man, ‘I know they ain’t finna subpoena no f***in’ Drake.”

Read More: XXXTENTACION Killer Seeks New Trial, Blasts Judge

Boosie Scoffs At The Idea Of XXXTENTACION Murderers’ Defense Questioning Drake

Of course, the 40-year-old is far from the first person to comment on the defense’s claims from within the industry. Still, perhaps the most relevant and crucial takedown of the whole theory was the judge in the case himself, Michael A. Usan. “What does that have to do with someone who you have no evidence of being involved other than hearsay and innuendo?” Judge Usan scolded defense attorney Mauricio Padilla during one of his arguments. “You are now trying to just drag somebody in who’s a celebrity who does not want to be associated with this. And the harm to that individual is not inconsequential.

“At best, that would be adding an unindicted co-conspirator, if you will. But that’s not a defense to the individuals that are here,” he continued. In other updates concerning the trial, codefendant Robert Allen (who pleaded guilty and testified against his fellow suspects who are now serving life sentences) was recently sentenced to two more years in prison. For the latest updates and news on Boosie, Drake, and XXXTENTACION, stick around on HNHH.

Read More: XXXTENTACION’s “?” Turns 5: Revisiting The Late Rapper’s Album

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XXXTENTACION Trial: Judge Ethers Defense Attorney Trying To Involve 600Breezy To Link Case To Drake

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The judge in the XXXTENTACION murder case recently shut down defense attorney Mauricio Padilla for trying to involve 600Breezy. Moreover, his efforts were made to connect Drake to the murder of the Florida rapper. While the judge already ruled that the Canadian artist did not have to sit for a deposition in the trial, Padilla continued fighting. Furthermore, he represents defendant Dedrick Williams and alleged that Breezy flew to Florida on Drake’s orders to find X. Throughout the last few weeks of the trial, defense lawyers hammered on the 6 God being the main instigator, not their clients.

“Antonio King, 600Breezy, did in fact fly to South Florida,” Padilla claimed. “[He] did in fact post video of himself threatening to be armed and threatening the deceased prior to his death.” Before he could go on, the judge interrupted him. “No. Counsel, then subpoena 600Breezy. What does that have to do with someone else who you have no evidence of being involved other than hearsay and innuendo? You are now trying to just drag somebody in who’s a celebrity, who does not want to be associated with this. And to harm that individual is not inconsequential,” the judge remarked.

XXXTENTACION Trial Judge Slams Defense Attorney Bringing Up 600Breezy

“I’ll tell you why,” Padilla retorted. “Because that person Antonio King- they further posted that the reason they came down there was for Drake. So I’m not making this up, this is out there. But I’m not being allowed to investigate. All I want to do is take this deposition.” However, the judge wasn’t having it. “You’ve had this case since 2018,” he concluded with his hands up. “Go talk to Breezy.” In fact, the rapper responded with laughing emojis in DJ Akademiks’ Instagram post of the exchange.

Meanwhile, other recent news from the trial involves a detective’s testimony, who investigated the murder. Moreover, he stated that defendant Dedrick Williams has, on multiple occasions, changed his side of the story. Also, he expressed that he heard no mention of Drake, the Migos, or any other rappers who are speculated to have hired him. Even though the case is still underway, at least this element of it seems to be dying down quickly. Regardless, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest updates on the XXXTENTACION murder trial.

XXXTENTACION Trial: Defense Lawyer’s Motion To Introduce Rapper’s Alleged Cheating Rejected By Judge

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XXXTENTACTION’s family is finally inching closer to justice. Still, not before the defense lawyers in court this month make every attempt to clear their client’s name. As you may recall, the 20-year-old tragically lost his life during a 2018 shooting. At this time, Dedrick Williams, Michael Boatwright, and Trayvon Newsome are awaiting their fates. The fourth accomplice, Robert Allen previously plead guilty to second-degree murder and is now acting as the state’s witness.

Thanks to YouTube’s Law & Crime channel, fans of the Broward County-born artist have been tuning in to the trial. Recent sessions have seen some eyebrow-raising updates, including confirmation that Drake will be required to sit down for a deposition. Additionally, photos taken by the suspected murderers in the hours after XXX’s death are circulating online.

Fans leave items at a makeshift memorial outside the XXXTentacion Funeral & Fan Memorial at BB&T Center on June 27, 2018 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Jason Koerner/Getty Images)

According to Allen’s testimony, the money the men are holding in the images was taken out of the bank earlier that day. The rapper initially hoped to withdraw $250K, but the teller told XXXTENTACION that she’d have to place an order for $200K and he could take the rest. He was ambushed in his luxury car later that day. Surprisingly, his uncle somehow managed to evade the shooters and escape.

It seems as though the defense lawyers are grasping at any possible way to turn things in their favour. In a video of the courthouse stream reposted by Akademiks, a lawyer makes his case to the judge. “Part of what I’m going to be getting into is infidelity, how infidelity prompted him to use other phones,” the attorney says.

“And doing things to avoid the fact that he was being unfaithful. I believe that one of the women he was being unfaithful with was Trecedes, and the fact that he tattooed her name on his forehead is such a rare act. I think it’s indicative of how he feels about her and how scared he would be…” the defense lawyer went on.

Without a moment’s hesitation, the judge responds, “That’ll be denied,” resulting in both attorneys walking away to re-evaluate. In Akademiks’ Instagram comments, plenty of followers are ridiculing the legal antics unfolding before them. “Literally has no correlation with the case,” one person pointed.

“These lawyers really be trying anything,” and “How are these lawyers? Bruh,” others wrote, making fun of the attorney’s desperate plea. Read more about what’s been taking place during XXXTENTACION’s murder trial here, and check back later for more updates.

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