Meek Mill’s Lawyer Claims Judge Who Sentenced Him to Prison is Crooked

Earlier this week, Meek Mill went before a Philadelphia Judge, and received a prison sentence that many felt was harsh considering the circumstances. As a result of this, Meek Mill’s lawyer Joe Tacopina tells Billboard he only received this sentence because Judge Genece Brinkley was very unethical.

In fact, Mr. Tacopina claims one of the reasons for the unjust sentence is because Meek failed to follow Judge Brinkley’s request of leaving Jay-Z’s Roc-Nation management, and hire her friend.

Billboard writes:

Billboard: What were your initial thoughts after Judge Brinkley revealed Meek’s sentencing on Monday?

Tacopina: It was an enormously grave mischaracter of justice. A really despicable version of what the justice system is supposed to be. There’s three people in the court room besides the defendant: The prosecutors, the district attorney — who’s in charge of enforcing laws and handing out punishments — [and] the probation officer who’s in charge with enforcing people who are on probation making sure that they apply with the law and when they don’t, recommending punishment.

Then, there’s a judge that’s supposed to be a fair, neutral arbitrator and oversee. Both the probation officer and the district attorney recommended no incarceration for these violations. No incarceration. But this judge excoriated both of them, challenged their credibility and overrode both law enforcement agencies recommendations and went from zero to two to four years, which shows that she clearly had a personal vendetta against this guy [Mill].

But when you look at all the other facts, like a judge crossing the line of professionalism and traditional conduct, [who] will make the request that Meek Mill re-record a famous Philadelphia pop band, Boyz II Men’s song “On Bended Knee,” where he concludes with a tribute to her and mentions her by name in the song. And he, of course, was laughing and thought it was a joke, she said, “I’m serious.” He refused to do that.

So, that, right there, was a totally an inappropriate request. When she requests he leaves his current management Roc Nation — which is one of the most important management companies in the world — and goes back to a local Philadelphia guy who has a spotted past because she had a personal relationship with him as manager, again, she’s doing something that a judge would never be doing, having a personal interest.

In other news, a petition has been started to get the Governor of Pennsylvania Tom Wolf to investigate the sentence Meek Mill received from the judge. The petition, via change.org, says that the judge ignored the recommendation from the probation officer over Meek Mill.

The petition states:

In regards to the harsh, undeserving sentencing of Robert Rihmeek Williams (Meek Mill), I felt the need to create a petition to reevaluate the charges, his impact in the community and the subsequent sentencing. More than just a celebrity or rapper, Meek Mill has been a powerful voice in the community for our youth. He has made positive contributions to many communities and programs, dedicating time and money to the cultivation of our youth and neighborhoods; even through his own adversities. He has continued to be dedicated and shown an immaculate work ethic, even at times when the system tried to prevent him from being able to tour, which is how he makes a living.

The judicial system is adamant that defendants work in order to be productive citizens, but at times, made it difficult for him to be able to work. However, he still remained dedicated to making a difference not just in his city of Philadelphia, but worldwide. He has inspired not only his fans, but anyone who has come in contact with him, to keep moving forward regardless of their past, through his music, interviews, community service and energy. He has adhered to several rules and regulations as a part of his parole such as: reporting to and passing mandatory drug tests, community service, meeting with his parole officer, and reporting his whereabouts and obtaining permission prior to leaving the city.

Moreover, the charges that led to his current violation, were subsequently dropped and the stiff sentence was handed down despite recommendations from his probation officer and the district attorney. His efforts to change his image while still remaining true to his artistry and who he is as a man went unnoticed as well. This petition is designed to show the amount of people who believe that the punishment was harsh and that him being imprisoned will be a disservice to the youth and community at large. We humbly ask for your reconsideration of his sentence.

You can go here to sign the petition.