Here to Serve… Not to Judge!

Here to Serve…
Not to Judge!

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A 21-year-old rapper who goes by the stage name Kodak Black stands accused of entering false information on federal forms at a gun dealership in Hialeah. The shop recorded sales to him of a 9 mm handgun, .380-caliber handgun and semiautomatic Mini Draco weapon. Police collected one of these weapons at the scene of a shooting in Pompano Beach. As a result, authorities arrested Black before he could perform at the Rolling Loud hip-hop festival.

He entered a not guilty plea to federal weapons charges and secured his release with a $550,000 bond. He must also remain under house arrest, but other criminal charges against him in other states could result in his return to jail prior to trial. The rapper’s attorney emphasized that his client gave himself up voluntarily after learning about the federal weapons charges.

Black has a long history of criminal charges within the state of Florida. He has allegedly fled from police charges, violated probation and committed sexual assault and armed robbery. He has served only small amounts of time behind bars. The other active cases against him out of state involve sexual assault allegations and drug and weapons charges.

A person under similar circumstances might wish to obtain legal counsel. Criminal charges arising from accusations of assault or a felon in possession of a firearm could invite strong prosecutorial efforts. An attorney could examine the evidence and challenge felony charges whenever possible. Legal representation may improve a defendant’s ability to communicate effectively before a jury at trial. It might also empower the defendant during negotiations for a plea deal and result in reduced penalties.