ASAP Rocky’s felony assault trial is underway, with jury choice happening earlier this week in downtown Los Angeles. The rapper, born Rakim Mayers, appeared in court docket the place he reportedly rejected a plea deal from prosecutors. The supply included 180 days in jail, three years of probation, and a seven-year suspended jail sentence in change for a responsible plea to 1 assault cost. Rocky faces two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm and, if convicted, might withstand 24 years in jail.
In accordance with reporter Meghann Cuniff, Rocky’s lawyer, Joe Tacopina, revealed in court docket {that a} witness is anticipated to testify a few prop gun allegedly concerned within the incident. This growth pertains to accusations that Rocky fired a weapon at ASAP Relli throughout an altercation. Tacopina claims the gun in query was a starter pistol and that it was fired solely as a warning after Relli allegedly adopted Rocky. Importantly, the protection asserts that the gun was by no means pointed at Relli.
Prosecutors, nevertheless, expressed frustration over the timing of the prop gun protection. Deputy District Legal professional John Lewin referred to as the transfer an “ambush,” arguing that the late disclosure prevented his crew from investigating the witness or the brand new declare. “It is a brand-new protection,” Lewin acknowledged, including that the witness is somebody prosecutors “by no means had the chance to speak to.”
Los Angeles County Superior Courtroom Choose Mark S. Arnold reminded Tacopina that any oral or written statements from witnesses have to be disclosed a minimum of 30 days earlier than trial. “I don’t suppose it’s truthful that he waited this lengthy to reveal the starter pistol. I simply don’t imagine that you just’re enjoying truthful,” Arnold mentioned.
The trial has already raised considerations about equity, with Rocky’s authorized crew criticizing the dearth of variety within the jury pool. Out of 106 potential jurors, solely 5 are Black. Tacopina voiced his considerations, stating, “We’re in downtown Los Angeles, not a small city in Montana. We’re troubled by that, to say the least.”