Judge David Herriford has reportedly denied Tory Lanez’s motion to receive bail while he appeals his 10-year prison sentence. As The Shade Room previously reported, the rapper was sentenced in August.
Additionally, he was convicted on three charges in relation to the 2020 assault of Megan Thee Stallion in December.
RELATED: ‘New’ Lawyer For Tory Lanez Argues For Rapper To Be Released On Bail As He Aims To Appeal His 10-Year Prison Sentence
Judge David Herriford Denies Tory Lanez’s Motion
According to legal reporter Meghann Cuniff, Judge David Herriford denied the rapper’s request for bail pending appeal on Thursday afternoon. Cuniff added that the judge detailed the reason for his decision via a YouTube live following the hearing.
According to Cuniff, Herriford explained that Lanez “was convicted of a violent crime,” “has a history of violating court orders,” and “is not a U.S. citizen.” Therefore, if the judge granted the rapper’s bail request, there could still be “deportation proceedings” to be considered.
TMZ reports that Lanez’s attorneys argued against the judge’s last point, explaining that the rapper is “legally” in the country on an “active work visa.” However, the reported argument appeared to be to no avail.
In a tweet shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, Cuniff added that the rapper “grinned at his supporters” following the judge’s decision as he was led out of the courtroom.
Additionally, the legal reporter tweeted that Lanez is “officially head to prison.”
Additionally, the rapper’s lawyer, Jose Baez, was reportedly absent from Thursday’s hearing. Cuniff notes that the lawyer wished Lanez “much love” via his Instagram Story.
Lanez’s bail motion is signed by a young attorney with Unite the People, which provides legal services to inmates.
Jose Baez (yes, that Jose Baez) indicates he’s still on the case, only saying this morning on Instagram that a “prior commitment” prevents him from being here. pic.twitter.com/NvvMX6DcdS
— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) September 14, 2023
Rolling Stone notes that Lanez was represented in court Thursday by Crystal A. Morgan and Michael Hayden of Unite the People, a California-based nonprofit organization that renders legal services. As The Shade Room previously reported, Lanez’s bail motion was signed by Morgan. She is a licensed California attorney for the organization.
Ahead of Thursday’s hearing, the organization’s CEO, Caesar McDowell, reportedly shared his thoughts on the rapper’s sentencing, as per Rolling Stone.
“To be convicted for ten years in state prison for your first time being in prison, we feel that that’s disproportionate… We feel that he wasn’t given a fair shake.”
More Details Regarding The Rapper’s Initial Bail Motion & “New” Team Of Attorneys Assisting His Appeal Process
As The Shade Room previously reported, the rapper’s bail motion was initially filed on Monday, August 28. The motion reportedly detailed Lanez’s plans to live in Los Angeles with his six-year-old son and wife, Raina Chassagne.
From his sentencing hearing engagement announcement to his bail motion wedding announcement, Tory Lanez’s relationship status has advanced rapidly in the last few weeks. His fiancée is now his wife, according to the motion. pic.twitter.com/TE4B14qw35
— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) September 1, 2023
Additionally, the motion explained that Lanez would maintain his sobriety and have “no contact” with Megan Thee Stallion “on social media or by other means.”
“Giving Mr. Peterson bail will allow him to continue his employment while staying in the geographic Los Angeles area,” the motion reportedly stated, as previously reported by The Shade Room.
The motion ultimately added that Lanez is not a “danger” to society and his charges stemmed “from an isolated incident where he was intoxicated.” As The Shade Room previously reported, the rapper’s “pending appeal” will not be addressed by Judge David Herriford. Instead, it will reportedly “be filed with the California Courts of Appeal’s 2nd District in Los Angeles.”
According to legal reporter Meghann Cuniff, the “notice of appeal” was received on August 10. However, Cuniff notes that the appellate process can extend multiple years and may not begin until 2024.
Tory Lanez has maintained his innocence in relation to his conviction.
