young thug trial

Young Thug’s Lawyer Brian Steel Reacts To Trial Outcome

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The most talked about story in hip-hop this week is Young Thug’s release from prison. On Halloween, Thug took a blind plea deal. Judge Paige Reese Whitaker sentenced him to 15 years of probation and ordered him to pay thousands of dollars in fines. Additionally, Whitaker banned him from entering the metro Atlanta area for the first 10 years of his probation. He can visit in special cases, though he must leave the area within two days. Fans are thrilled with the verdict. For them, it means that a hip-hop favorite gets to come home and resume a wildly successful and influential music career. However, Young Thug’s lawyer, Brian Steel, is not as ecstatic. When asked about how Thug feels following his release, Steel alluded to his personal unhappiness with the outcome. However, he emphasized that Thug is happy to be coming home.

“As far as Jeffery is feeling now, he knows my feelings, which I am not going to reveal for attorney-client privilege. But, this is not the same as a not guilty verdict,” Steel said outside of the courthouse. He went into details about the way Thug was treated while in custod. He specifically pointed to the poor conditions of his cell. “Nobody here wakes up every day on a concrete floor that they’re calling his bed, at 4:15. He gets shackled at his feet, his waist, and his hands, comes to the Fulton County courthouse to be on concrete, eating out of a bag, and then coming to the courthouse to sit there with a leg chain every single day, and hear lie after lie. So for Jeffery to go home today, and not have another 90 days, 120 days of it [the trial], he is very happy.”

Read More: Young Thug’s Conditions Of Release Include No Contact With YSL Members

Young Thug’s Lawyer Speaks About Client’s Release

 
 
 
 
 
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Brian Steel has become a minor hero in the eyes of Young Thug fans. Georgia has famously difficult RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) laws to navigate. They have been used in other high-profile cases. Notably, the state of Georgia’s case against former president Donald Trump concerning his plot to overturn the results of the 2020 election. Steel did not his client get a definitive “not guilty” verdict. But, his work ensured that Thug would not have to spend another day in prison. Thug spent over 900 days in custody after his arrest in May 2022.

Thug can now return to making music without many complications. Judge Whitaker ordered that he stay away from other YSL members and co-defendants at the trial. However, Thug specifically requested permission to continue working with Gunna, who Thug signed to his record label in 2017. The judge acquiesed. Additionally, he can travel for music-related reasons. Fans won’t have to worry about Thug being unable to tour or collaborate with artists. All of that would not be possible without the legal guidance of Steel, a man who Thug owes a debt of gratitude.

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Young Thug’s Father Is Unhappy With Son’s Ban From Metro Atlanta Following Prison Release

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On Thursday, Young Thug walked free after taking a plea deal. The deal came after negotiations with the prosecution fell through, and sentencing was left in the hands of Judge Paige Reese Whitaker. He pleaded guilty to several charges, including gang involvement and weapons and drug offenses. Judge Whittaker sentenced Thug to 40 years, with the first five years served in prison commuted by time served. She also gave him 15 years of probation and thousands of dollars in fines. Additionally, he is barred from the metro Atlanta area for the first 10 years of his probation, except in special cases. He must perform one hundred hours of community service every year of his probation. He must also deliver four yearly presentations on the negatives of gang and gun violence.

Some terms of Young Thug’s release did not sit well with Thug’s father, Jeffery Williams Sr.. When asked by reporters outside of the courthouse for his thoughts, specifically about his son being banned from the metro Atlanta area for the next decade, Williams made his displeasure clear. “I’m totally against that, because this is where he’s from,” he said. “And to have a district attorney take that away from him that isn’t a resident from here. She’s from another state, and to see her take a man away from where he’s from, to have to go live somewhere else? That’s offensive to me.”

Read More: Travis Scott, Sexyy Red And More Celebrate Young Thug’s Freedom

Young Thug’s Father Criticizes Terms Of Son’s Prison Release

 
 
 
 
 
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Jeffery Williams Sr. gave additional thoughts on the outcome of the case. He said he would have preferred to see Young Thug continue to fight the case, but felt “great” that his son was coming home. He also expressed that he was looking forward to hearing Thug come back to music after some time away. Another term of Thug’s release was that he had to change his lyrical focus (i.e. no more “gun talk”). Williams Sr. hopes he doesn’t, saying it would be “sad” if he did.

Now that Thugger is free, he can get back to doing what he loves: making music. Earlier in October, Thug posted on X (formerly Twitter) about Future, Drake, and Metro Boomin, hopeful that the three can work through their strained friendship. Future reposted Thug’s call for peace, suggesting that he may be open to working things out with Drake after he and Metro collaborated on the highly publicized “diss album,” We Don’t Trust You. Regardless of how that goes, fans have been anticipating Thug’s own solo comeback for years. Considering Thug’s prolific output, his grand return to music could be imminent.

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Young Thug’s Conditions Of Release Include No Contact With YSL Members

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Young Thug is a free man. The rapper accepted a plea deal was sent home on Halloween with 15 years probation. It’s a storybook ending to a trial that was defined by its length and its seemingly endless array of drama. Young Thug made a statement following his release in which he vowed to turn over a new leaf. “I’m older, I’m grown now. I’m smarter,” the rapper told Judge Paige Reese Whitaker. “It’s more things to rap about.” To help keep Thugger on the straight and narrow, however, he has been given a detailed list of conditions for release.

Young Thug is banned from the Metro Atlanta for 10 years. There will be exceptions, however, for events like family weddings, funerals, and graduations. He’s also banned from promoting gangs or gang culture in any way, shape or form. Judge Paige Reese Whitaker decreed that Young Thug will use his high profile to campaign against gangs, in fact. The rapper has been ordered to do four presentations or concerts a year that are explicitly against gang violence. The most notable condition that was put forth with regards to Thug’s release, however, was that he not have any contact with gang members or YSL affiliates.

Read More: Yak Gotti Refuses Plea Deal Amid YSL RICO Trial

Young Thug Can No Longer Promote Gangs In His Music

The rapper’s affiliation with YSL is what led to his criminal charges in the first place, and the law wants to ensure he doesn’t fall back into his old ways. There are two exceptions to the “no contact with gang members” rule. Young Thug will be allowed to speak with his brother, Quantavious Grier, and fellow YSL rapper Gunna. Grier is currently serving a nine year prison sentence after violating his probation in 2023. Which brings us to the consequences. If Thug does not adhere to these conditions of release, than the rapper will be sentenced to prison for at least two decades.

Judge Whitaker noted that she is hopeful Thugger will turn over a new leaf, but if he does not, then he will severely punished. The good news is that Young Thug will be able to resume his rap career without any major complications. He may not be able to rhyme about gangs anymore, but he will be allowed to travel for work and to make music with other artists.

Read More: Young Thug Trial: Two More Co-Defendants Accept Plea Deals

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Young Thug Accepts Plea Deal And Is Freed With 15 Years Probation

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Young Thug’s legal struggle has come to an end. The rapper concluded the longest trial in Georgia history on October 31. He accepted a plea deal and was promptly allowed to go home on the grounds that he serve 15 years probation. The judge did stipulate, however, that if Young Thug violates his probation in the future, then he could face a prison sentence of up to 20 years.

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Young Thug Trial: Co-Defendant Takes Plea Deal

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The controversial Young Thug trial continued today and one of the co-defendants took a plea deal. Quamarvious Nichola, otherwise known as Qua, has decided to take a plea. This decision comes after days of negotiations with Fani Willis and the prosecution. Overall, this is a massive development in the trial. Throughout the last few days, there have been speculations about a potential mistrial and perhaps pleas from every single defendant. However, it appears as though Nichols is the only one getting a plea today.

The Young Thug Trial Continues

More details to come.

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SlimeLife Shawty Clowns His Haters After Testifying In Young Thug Case

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SlimeLife Shawty became a talking point in the hop hop community on Wednesday. The rapper took the stand in the ongoing Young Thug case. He admitted, on the stand, that he treated YSL like a gang when he first joined. SlimeLife Shawty also read a redacted social media message, which led to confusion on the part of the defense. Young Thug’s legal team as far as to request a mistrial due to Shawty’s actions. As with any artist who has taken the stand in the YSL case, SlimeLife Shawty was subject to ridicule and mockery online. He decided to clap back, however.

SlimeLife Shawty took to his Instagram Stories the evening he testified. He posted an ominous message that read “Y’all so dumb” before launching into a lengthier post. The YSL member claimed that he didn’t snitch on Young Thug despite taking the stand. “Ain have to tell on nobody duck n**ga,” he wrote. “Every n**ga that den like me only happy cus that belt been off that behind.” SlimeLife Shawty was focused on two people in particular, and he threatened to tag them in a follow up post. “I can @ both u duck n**gas and make y’all remember,” he noted.

Read More: Young Thug’s Lawyer Earns Key Victory In His Controversial Criminal Contempt Case

SlimeLife Shawty Pled Guilty To Conspiracy In 2022

SlimeLife Shawty proceeded to threw a few more threats out before calming down. The rapper tried to end things on a positive note, writing: “I’m chillin tho I luv you all.” He may not be a household name for those who have keeping up with the Young Thug case, but Shawty has been part of it from the start. He was arrested alongside Thugger and the rest of the YSL crew in 2022. Vibe reported that he took a plea deal alongside Lil Duke, and subsequently had their sentences reduced to time served.

While some Instagram users supported SlimeLife Shawty, and his claim about not snitching, others stated that his career was over. Shawty was one of the most promising artists on the YSL label before RICO charges entered the picture. Joe Coscarelli, a New York Times reporter, claimed that Shawty was the artist with the most career momentum before the momentum besides Gunna. Gunna has been able to maintain a successful career post-YSL indictment, but he also had hits. SlimeLife Shawty is going to have a much harder time maintaining relevance.

Read More: Young Thug’s “Slime Sh*t” Plays In Court As The State Analyzes His Lyrics

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YSL Woody Issues Heartfelt Apology To Young Thug: “I’ll Never Forgive Myself”

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YSL Woody has made plenty of headlines in recent months for his behavior during Young Thug’s RICO trial. He acted as a star witness and admitted to lying to authorities about several things. Woody even claimed that he made up fake people to snitch on, and lied to police about Young Thug back in 2015.

“The police kept locking me up for whatever they could,” he said in court earlier this year. “Every time I counted the door, the police was on me, and they keep bringing up Thug’s name. So what I did was to get ’em out off me, I said, ‘Thug did this. Thug did that. Thug,’ because I knew they were—I knew he didn’t do it.”

Read More: Charleston White Celebrates Release From Jail By Dissing YSL Woody’s Disabled Daughter

YSL Wood Admits He Regrets His Role In Young Thug Case

Now, however, it appears as though Woody has some serious regrets. In a clip, he explains that he’s sorry for all of the trouble he’s caused Young Thug and his family. “The pain, the suffering, everything I’ve caused on him and his family… I wish I had the mindset and the strength that I have now. I’ll never forgive myself. I took him through a process that I never should have took him through. Even though I know I’m not the cause of it, despite how anybody may feel, it’s wrong,” he said.

Woody’s heartfelt apology arrives just a few weeks after he took to Instagram with a lengthy message about Young Thug’s case. In it, he prayed for Young Thug and his co-defendants’ freedom. “Wrong is wrong we have sympathy for all the victims and their families,” he wrote at the time. “As kids bad choices are made and punishment is acceptable but this is a different story this is corruption this is madness and very personal.” What do you think of YSL Woody issuing an apology to Young Thug for his role in his legal battle? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

Read More: YSL Woody Suggests That Charleston White Placed A Tracking Device In His Car

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Drake Claims He’s Spending Money To Help Young Thug Beat RICO Charge

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Young Thug is beloved in the rap game. The Atlanta icon is a true original who has racked up hits with just about every notable artist of the last decade. He has, however, had his career drastically slow down due to a RICO charge. The rapper has been on trial since 2022, and is looking at five to 20 years behind bars if convicted. Several of Thugger’s peers have voiced their support on social media, but Drake made it clear that he’s doing more. The Toronto superstar hopped on Instagram to claim that he’s putting his money where his mouth is.

Drake posted a IG selfie on October 10. The rapper did his infamous duck face, but the caption had a far more serious tone. “I ain’t talking to talk man,” he assured followers. “I really put 🥖on the 💼 3 Jeff.” He doesn’t mention Young Thug by his professional name, but the emojis and the mention of “Jeff”, Thug’s real name, make his message clear. Drizzy didn’t get into detail as to how much he’s spending on Thug, or what he’s spending it on, but he’s proven to be good for it. Top5, another Toronto artist, was recently released from prison, and he thanked Drake for the help. “Shoutout big bro @champagnepapi for the Lawyer Fees & Gary Grill for being the best lawyer in Toronto,” Top5 wrote on Instagram.”

Read More: Drake Proclaims His PARTYNEXTDOOR Collab Album Will Be A “Classic”

Drake Has Repeatedly Voiced Support For Thugger

Drake has also been following the Young Thug case closely. He was disappointed to learn that phone call between Thugger and his girlfriend, Mariah the Scientist, was leaked in January. He got on an Akademiks live stream to voice his frustration. Sh*t is disgraceful,” he wrote in the comment section. “Gotta be some form of jail misconduct… You gonna drag this talented man then not be able to control your employees using his personal business for their own gain?” Drake has also shown love on the music side of things.

The 6 God had two guest verses on BUSINESS IS BUSINESS, Young Thug’s last album. He also talked about Thug’s predicament on the recent song, “It’s Up.” He admitted that he’s worried for the safety and well-being of the former Rich Gang star. “I can’t sleep at night with Thug at Cobb County Corrections” he rapped. “I think he did enough reflecting, I think my brother learned his lesson.” Drake and Thugger have had hits dating back to 2017. Their biggest joint single, “Way 2 Sexy,” topped the Billboard Hot 100 back in 2021. It remains Thug’s last number one to date.

Read More: KSI Thanks Drake For Cosigning His Virally Clowned Trippie Redd Collab

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Young Thug’s Brother Erupts On YSL Mondo For Doing Interviews Amid RICO Case

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Unfortunately, Young Thug may be in court for a lot longer. It seems that every YSL defendant is doing something that could possibly derail any sort of positive progress. YSL Woody has been the main proponent of acting out of pocket in the court room, even making up fake names to “snitch on”. However, it seems that YSL Mondo could be another catalyst in extending Young Thug’s appearances before a judge. According to No Jumper, the record label co-founder is doing too many interviews in the eyes Young Thug’s brother, Unfoonk. Currently, there’s a clip going around of Mondo blasting Woody for being “the biggest rat” he knows on the Its Up There Podcast.

Apparently, those two have been beefing amid this RICO Case and Unfoonk thinks it’s a bad look for Mondo to continue to speak. Even the popular Young Thug fan account on X, THUGGERDAILY, is calling him out. Unfoonk explained why this only making things worse in his eyes on an IG story while putting Mondo on blast. “N**** really doing interviews talking about sum they don’t know smh”, Unfoonk begins.

Read More: Crip Mac Gives Fans An Update On His Life Via Prison Call With N3on

Young Thug’s Brother And YSL Mondo Go Trade Words

 
 
 
 
 
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“Its a reason why wasn’t around u n****, save all dat cap s***, clout chasing a** n**** smh. Its only a matter of time before I say f*** it, u one of the reason why they saying we a gang dumb a** n****”. Mondo then took the time to clap back on X, saying that everything he’s saying is “1 million percent true” and that Unfoonk “been hating” on him since the latter got out of prison. Mondo then left things off with a threat, saying “I suggest you be quiet before I say some that’s gone hurt your feelings! You should be the last person talking period!! Now I’m just gone leave it there!”.

What are your thoughts on Young Thug’s brother blowing up on YSL Mondo for doing interviews? Who do you think has more valid points? Overall, do you agree with Unfoonk’s take? 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 Young Thug and the ongoing RICO case. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on in the music world.

Read More: Travis Scott Achieves Remarkable Milestone With “ASTROWORLD” Amid Impressive Run Of Feats

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Who Is YSL Woody? The Defiant Star Witness In Young Thug’s Trial

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In the high-stakes trial of rapper Young Thug, one name has repeatedly surfaced as a central figure in the courtroom drama: Kenneth Copeland, better known as YSL Woody. Copeland has become the focal point of a case that has captivated the state of Georgia and hip-hop at large. His testimony has been both erratic and unpredictable, creating further complications in an already convoluted trial. As a former associate of Young Thug, Woody’s cooperation—or lack thereof—could prove pivotal in the prosecution’s attempt to link the rapper to criminal activities.

Read More: Lil Woody’s Neighbor Appears To Leak His Location Amid YSL RICO Trial Testimony

A Troubled Past

YSL Woody, born Kenneth Copeland, has a checkered history that extends far beyond his involvement with Young Thug. His criminal record includes a 2018 conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm, stemming from an incident where he left an assault rifle on the bleachers of a recreational center in Atlanta. Despite the presence of children and other community members, Woody reportedly seemed unfazed, leaving the weapon unattended while he played basketball. This reckless behavior led to his arrest and subsequent federal prison sentence.

In 2021, Woody found himself in legal trouble again when a traffic stop revealed he was carrying a weapon, a serious offense for a convicted felon. Facing a potential decade-long sentence, Woody chose a different path: he became an informant. During a three-hour interrogation, he provided detectives with critical information on several crimes, both past and future, and even expressed willingness to help secure a confession from Young Thug, a detail that later leaked to social media.

The Role Of The Star Witness

Woody’s involvement in the Young Thug trial is far from straightforward. As the prosecution’s star witness, his testimony has been marked by erratic behavior. Earlier this year, on the stand, Woody has alternated between cooperation and defiance, often appearing disinterested or confused. His antics have included yawning, spinning in his chair, and frequently questioning the prosecutors with “whatchu mean?” This unpredictable behavior has led to repeated admonishments from Fulton County Superior Court Chief Judge Ural Glanville (who has since stepped down from the case), who had to remind Woody to stand when jurors enter and leave the courtroom.

Woody’s actions have not only frustrated the prosecution but have also led to tension with his legal representation. He abruptly fired his stand-in attorney during the trial, declaring, “She fired. I don’t want her.”

Read More: YSL Woody Mocks Judge When Asked If He Will Testify Against Young Thug

Despite his erratic testimony, Woody’s legal team has managed to secure case immunity for him, meaning his statements in court cannot be used against him concerning his previous 11 convictions. However, this immunity has not quelled Woody’s reluctance to testify. His attorney indicated that Woody intended to invoke his Fifth Amendment right, a decision that could lead to contempt of court charges if he refuses to testify despite the immunity granted.

The situation took a dramatic turn when it was revealed that Woody’s legal team might have disclosed an ex parte conversation—a private discussion between the judge and the prosecution—to Young Thug’s attorney. This revelation led to Judge Glanville ordering a hearing to determine whether Woody and his attorney should be held in contempt of court.

Recent Testimony

The YSL RICO trial has unfolded with a series of developments that have added layers of complexity to the case. Among the most surprising was YSL Woody’s confession that he had fabricated allegations against Young Thug. During his testimony on August 12, Woody recounted how he deliberately accused the rapper of crimes to divert law enforcement’s attention away from himself. “The police were constantly targeting me,” Woody stated. “So, to shift their focus, I started claiming, ‘Thug did this, Thug did that,’ despite knowing these were false accusations.” Woody’s admission introduces a significant wrinkle in the prosecution’s case.

Allegations Born From Pressure

Woody’s testimony also revealed that the persistent focus of law enforcement on Young Thug compelled him to continue his deceit. He described how investigators repeatedly mentioned Young Thug, leading him to falsely affirm their assumptions. “They were fixated on Thug, so I told them what they seemed to expect,” Woody confessed. “I said, ‘Yes, he committed this crime, he did that,’ because I believed they would never actually pursue him.” Furthermore, Woody claimed that the prosecution pressured him to testify in court, despite being aware of the inaccuracies in his prior statements. This assertion raises critical concerns about the prosecutorial conduct and the integrity of the evidence being presented against Young Thug.

The Aftermath

Though Young Thug and his co-defendants continue to fight their charges, Woody has seemingly leveraged his newfound viral fame into a career of sorts. He’s appeared on a number of media platforms, including the 20 V. 1 speed dating series. Most recently, he dropped a song titled “I Don’t Recall” following his viral court appearance. 

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