Rapper Meek Mill Can’t Get Out Of Jail
Rap artist Meek Mill, who was sent to jail last Friday for violating his probation for 2009 drug and gun charges, will not be released despite the best efforts of his lawyers.
According to Philly.com, Meek Mill’s lawyers prepared a petition for a city judge to release the Philadelphia rapper. The petition for a writ of habeas corpus claimed that Mill’s alleged crimes were not significant enough for Judge Genece E. Brinkley to send him to prison for three to six months. The petition also states that Judge Brinkley did not follow procedure and failed to conduct a hearing advising Mill of his probation violations, or a second hearing to allow Meek Mill and his lawyers to present their defense. Mill’s lawyers were asking the judge to hold a hearing within three days or at least else free Meek Mill on bail until the dispute is resolved.
Assistant District Attorney Noel Ann DeSantis explained to Judge Brinkley that she was opposed to the idea of releasing Meek Mill early.
Meek Mill allegedly violated his probation by mocking his probation officer and DeSantis on Twitter and accusing them of racism. Mill also failed to show up to probation meetings or arrived late. In addition, Meek Mill didn’t provide a telephone number where he could be reached.
Meek Mill’s real name is Robert Williams, and he is 27 years old. Apparently his record label is suffering “devastating” financial losses since the musician was imprisoned, so many of Meek’s fans would be thrilled to see him released. A lawyer for Atlantic Records, Patrick J. Egan, wrote a letter to be accompanied with the petition to plea for Meek Mill’s release.
“If [Meek Mill] is unable to promote his album release, thousands of fans will be disappointed and potentially turn their interest to other artists,” said Egan’s letter, “which could prove devastating to [Meek Mill’s] career and damaging to those who have worked and hoped to continue working with him over the course of that career.”
Unfortunately for Meek’s fans, Philly later reported that he won’t be released despite an emergency motion being filed on Thursday. Meek Mill has so far had to cancel two concerts, and it does not look like an early release will be possible. Judge Brinkley has so far not responded to the petition or the letter sent by Atlantic Records.
It might not be such a bad thing for Mill, however. In the past he’s claimed that jail has helped him get his head straight. Do you think Meek will experience the same kind of clarity this time?
Just got me swangin in the jungle smh! RT @DailyRapFacts:.@MeekMill is not allowed to move out of Philadelphia due to his probation.
— Meek Mill (@MeekMill) July 11, 2014
