Rapper Young Thug Files 4th Motion To Be Released On Bond As He Awaits Trial

Rapper Young Thug has recently filed his fourth motion to be released on bond as he awaits trial in a RICO case in Georgia. This Grammy Award winner has been denied bond three times before due to the gang-related charges he faces. The trial has been delayed multiple times, and jury selection is now expected to enter its fifth month in May. To shed some light on this never-ending trial, we have criminal defense attorney and former prosecutor Bernardo Villalona joining us.

A Trial Like No Other

"This could be one of the longest-running trials in Georgia history," Bernardo begins. He explains that at the beginning of the trial, which started in January, potential jurors were told that the trial could last anywhere between 9 to 12 months. However, here we are in the fourth month, and there hasn't been a single juror selected. The trial has been plagued with chaos, fights, and even drug-related incidents inside the courtroom. With delays, motions, and attorneys wanting to get off the case, there seems to be no end in sight.

The Rap Lyrics Conundrum

One of the most critical issues in this trial is whether rap lyrics can be used as evidence against Young Thug and his co-defendants. This decision has been delayed, and now we won't get a ruling until May or June. Bernardo explains the significance of this decision and the potential precedent it could set. He points out that such a decision could have been made before jury selection, as it could be dispositive to the trial itself. The prosecution argues that the rap lyrics are admissions of criminal activity and being part of a criminal organization. However, allowing rap lyrics as evidence could be prejudicial to the defendants and may infringe on their First Amendment rights. The judge now faces the challenge of balancing these factors.

The Prejudice of Precedents

Whether the judge allows rap lyrics as evidence or not, the potential jury panel has already been exposed to some of the lyrics through jury instructions and the indictment. This exposure could have a lasting impact on their perception of the case. Young Thug's defense team is also seeking to have his bond reconsidered, which has been denied three times before. Bernardo believes that the judge will likely deny the bond since Young Thug is seen as the lead person in the indictment and has been labeled as the head of the criminal organization. The circumstances haven't changed enough to warrant a change in the bond decision.

The Juror Dilemma

Perhaps one of the most puzzling aspects of this trial is the prolonged jury selection process. Bernardo explains that this is indeed unusual and has been acknowledged by Georgia as the longest jury selection in the state's history. The major hurdle in this process is the hardship it places on potential jurors. To be part of this trial, citizens from Georgia's Fulton County must dedicate about a year of their lives, putting their normal lives on hold and forgoing regular job earnings. The long process of finding a suitable jury adds to the delay and frustration surrounding this trial.

Despite the challenges faced by Young Thug and his defense team, the trial continues with no end in sight. The decisions made in this case, particularly regarding the use of rap lyrics as evidence, may have broader implications and could even reach the United States Supreme Court. As we wait for further developments, we can only hope for a fair and speedy resolution to this never-ending trial.

George Stephanopoulos, thank you for shedding some light on this ongoing legal battle. And to everyone watching, don't forget to subscribe to the ABC News YouTube channel for more engaging content and breaking news alerts.