Defense

ASAP Rocky’s Assault Trial Begins: Defense Claims Rapper Used Prop Gun, Prosecution Unveils Late Ballistic Evidence

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Los Angeles – In an unfolding legal drama, rap artist ASAP Rocky, legally known as Rakim Mayers, stands accused of shooting Terrell Ephron, aka ASAP Relli, during a confrontation on a Hollywood street on November 6, 2021. Ephron, a founding member of the Harlem-based ASAP mob – an acronym for “Always Strive and Prosper” – had at one time been a close friend of Mayers. The alleged incident, which could see Mayers facing up to 20 years if convicted, took a dramatic turn during opening arguments of his assault trial in Los Angeles. Mayers’ defense … Read more

Former House Speaker Michael J. Madigan’s Fate in Jury’s Hands as Defense Concludes Arguing Corruption Allegations Are ‘Myth’

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Chicago — In the high-stakes corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan, his attorneys portrayed him as an enigmatic leader misunderstood by the prosecution, while prosecutors charged him with orchestrating a complex web of illegal schemes to bolster his political clout and personal wealth. As the trial nears its crescendo, jurors have been tasked with dissecting a three-month presentation of the intricate, sprawling case. Madigan’s defense lawyer, Dan Collins, employed the metaphor of a sphinx — a mythical figure known for its riddles and silent demeanor — to underscore the perceived discrepancy … Read more

Judge Denies Restraining Order Against Pasadena’s New Rent Control Law, Measure H Advocates Join Defense

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Pasadena, CA — A judge has declined the California Apartment Association’s (CAA) request for a temporary restraining order against the newly passed Measure H, a rent control amendment to the Pasadena City Charter. The decision by Superior Court Judge Mary Strobel came after the CAA challenged the measure, alleging constitutional violations. Measure H, approved by Pasadena voters in June and effective since December 22, aims to implement rent control in the city. The Association’s legal challenge argues that the measure unlawfully revises the city’s charter and infringes upon state laws including the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing … Read more

End in Sight for Michael Madigan’s High-Stakes Corruption Trial as Defense Rests, Jury Prep Looms

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CHICAGO – The corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, a figure long entwined with Democratic politics, is nearing its conclusion as attorneys for Madigan wrapped up their defense. This development sets the stage for closing arguments and subsequent jury deliberations scheduled for the end of January. After the defense concluded, the prosecution made a brief recall of an FBI agent and entered a last piece of bank evidence. U.S. District Judge John Blakey then indicated to the jurors that they had heard all factual testimonies, emphasizing the looming end of proceedings. Madigan, … Read more