- A$AP Rocky pleads not guilty
- Trial scheduled for March
- Possible 24-year prison term
Reportedly, the rapper, who is romantically involved with vocalist Rihanna, expressed his desire to complete the trial as soon as possible so he could return to his family.
A$AP Rocky has entered a not-guilty plea to the charge that he discharged a firearm at a former collaborator and acquaintance outside a hotel in Hollywood in 2021.
A Los Angeles judge had previously determined, after hearing testimony at a preliminary hearing, that there was sufficient evidence to hold the rapper’s trial.
Rocky, identified by his actual name Rakim Mayers, entered a not-guilty plea to two counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm, which is a felony.
Allegedly, during a subsequent confrontation in November 2021, he pointed a handgun at Terell Ephron and discharged the weapon in that direction.
Judge Karla Kerlin of the Superior Court scheduled the next pre-trial hearing for March 6, following the musician’s pleading guilty. The court informed that a trial must occur within forty-five days of that date.
Rolling Stone reported that defence attorney Joe Tacopina stated outside of court that the rapper was certain of his innocence and anxious for the trial to be over “so he can begin enjoying his family.”
Prosecutors stated that under all charges, he could face a maximum prison term of twenty-four years.
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Fashion entrepreneur and Grammy nominee Rihanna, 35, is in a committed relationship with the mother of his two young sons, Riot Rose and RZA.
While seated in court in a grey suit complemented by a navy striped tie and a white pin-striped shirt, the rapper wished the judge a joyous New Year and authorised his solicitors to represent him at future hearings in his absence.
In August 2019, authorities previously sentenced Rocky to a two-year suspended term for assault committed during an altercation in Stockholm, Sweden.
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