In a dramatic turn of events, Brian Steel, the defense attorney for rapper Young Thug, was sentenced to 20 days in Fulton County Jail for criminal contempt. Judge Ural Glanville handed down the sentence, specifying that Steel will serve his time on weekends, starting Friday, June 14. Steel’s request to serve his sentence at Cobb County Jail, where Young Thug is being held, is currently under consideration by Judge Glanville, as reported by the Washington Post.
The contempt charge stems from Steel’s refusal to disclose how he obtained information about a confidential meeting between Judge Glanville, prosecutors, and key witness Kenneth Copeland. This breach of court protocol led to his arrest on Monday after multiple warnings from the judge. Despite Glanville’s insistence, Steel maintained his stance, leading to his incarceration.
“I’m going to give you five minutes. If you don’t tell me who it is, I’m going to put you in contempt,” Judge Glanville warned. Steel responded defiantly, stating he didn’t “need five minutes.” Even after a court recess, Steel refused to comply, prompting Glanville to take him into custody.
Upon his return to the courtroom about an hour later, Judge Glanville reiterated his demand for the source of the leaked information. When Steel continued to resist, the judge confirmed that he would begin his jail term that evening unless he complied. Steel’s motion for a mistrial was swiftly denied.
In an effort to address the situation, Colette Resnik Steel, Brian Steel’s wife and law partner, promptly filed a motion for bond. Law & Crime editor Cathy Russon noted on Twitter that Steel is aiming to spend weekends in jail with Young Thug to continue preparing his case.
Young Thug, whose real name is Jeffrey Williams, has been in the midst of a protracted legal battle. He is currently on trial for charges related to a RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) indictment. His trial, which has been ongoing for 17 months, is the longest in Georgia’s history.
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Last year, Young Thug was sentenced to 10 years for his involvement in the shooting of rapper Megan Thee Stallion, resulting in his incarceration at North Kern State Prison in Delano, California. He was convicted on three felony charges in December 2022, including assault with a semiautomatic firearm, discharging a firearm with gross negligence, and possessing a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle.
Steel’s refusal to disclose his source and subsequent contempt charge have added another layer of complexity to the ongoing trial. This incident underscores the high stakes and intense scrutiny surrounding Young Thug’s legal proceedings. As the trial continues, the legal community and fans alike are closely watching how these developments will impact the outcome.
In a statement, Brian Steel emphasized his commitment to his client’s defense, expressing his frustration with the situation but reaffirming his dedication to ensuring a fair trial for Young Thug. The rapper’s supporters and legal team remain steadfast, navigating the numerous challenges that have arisen throughout this high-profile case.
This case highlights the rigorous demands and ethical boundaries that legal professionals must navigate, particularly in high-stakes trials involving prominent figures. The coming weeks will be crucial as Steel serves his sentence and the trial progresses.
