Was YNW Melly Lawyer Arrested? Who is Raven Liberty? Why was YNW Melly Lawyer Arrested?
by Alaguvelan M
Updated Jun 21, 2023
YNW Melly Lawyer Arrested
In August 2022, YNW Melly's lawyer, Liberty, was arrested for battery in Miami. A mugshot of Liberty gained widespread attention after it was made public. It's important to note that YNW Melly himself was previously arrested in February 2019 and charged with two counts of first-degree murder in relation to the deaths of his friends, YNW Sakchaser and YNW Juvy. As the double-murder case proceeded, YNW Melly's lawyer sought a mistrial; however, the request was denied by a Broward judge.
Liberty had been representing YNW Melly in his ongoing double-murder case that dates back to 2019. YNW Melly, whose real name is Jamell Demons, was accused of killing his close friends and fellow rappers, YNW Sakchaser and YNW Juvy, in October 2018. YNW Melly has been incarcerated since his arrest and maintains his innocence, denying the charges against him.
In September 2022, YNW Melly's attorney, Liberty, filed a motion for a mistrial in the double-murder case, alleging prosecutorial misconduct. However, a Broward judge ruled against the motion, stating that it did not meet the necessary legal criteria for a mistrial. Despite the arrest of his lawyer and the unsuccessful mistrial attempt, YNW Melly's case continues to proceed.
Who is Raven Liberty?
Raven Liberty is a highly successful attorney based in Miami, known for her expertise in the field of law. With over 19 years of experience practicing law since 2004, she has established herself as one of Florida's top lawyers. Although she primarily focuses on foreclosure cases, she has also handled select cases involving child custody, divorce, and separation.
However, Liberty gained significant attention when she took on the legal representation of renowned rapper Kodak Black. Throughout his legal troubles, including charges of first-degree criminal sexual conduct in 2016, making false statements about illegal weapons possession in 2019, and assault and battery in 2021, Liberty provided legal counsel and representation for Kodak Black.
During one particular case, Kodak Black was sentenced to 46 months in prison while on probation. However, through Liberty's efforts, she pleaded on his behalf and successfully obtained a commutation of his sentence from then-President Donald Trump. As a result, his sentence was reduced to 10 months.
Apart from her work with Kodak Black, Raven Liberty has also represented other notable hip-hop artists in various criminal cases, showcasing her dedication and skill as a defense attorney. Her reputation led to her involvement in the high-profile case of representing YNW Melly.
With her extensive experience and track record of success, Raven Liberty continues to be a prominent figure in the legal field, offering her expertise and guidance to clients facing complex legal challenges.
On June 12, after more than four years since his incarceration, the highly anticipated trial of YNW Melly commenced, marking a significant milestone in the case involving the double murder of his friends, YNW Juvy and YNW SakChaser. The tragic incident occurred on October 26, 2018, in Miramar, Florida.
While news of the denial of his motion for a mistrial made headlines, another piece of information has recently taken social media by storm. Interestingly, it revolves around YNW Melly's lawyer, Raven Liberty, whose mugshot from 2022 has surfaced online, capturing public attention.
It turns out that Liberty faced legal trouble herself, as she was arrested for battery on August 25, 2022, in Miami, Florida. However, she managed to resolve the situation by paying a $1,500 penalty, effectively dropping all charges against her.
The viral video, featuring Raven Liberty's mugshot cleverly juxtaposed with courtroom drama, was initially shared by DJ Akademiks on his Instagram feed, generating significant online buzz.
Why was YNW Melly Lawyer Arrested?
In a regrettable turn of events, Raven Liberty, the lawyer representing YNW Melly, was arrested on August 25, 2022, in Miami, Florida, on charges of battery. The arrest stemmed from an incident the previous day, August 24, 2022, where Liberty was allegedly involved in an altercation and purportedly struck a woman in the face during an argument. Following her arrest, Liberty was released on bond. She has entered a plea of not guilty to the charges.
This arrest has raised concerns about Liberty's capacity to effectively represent Melly in his impending murder trial. Melly stands accused of the tragic killings of his friends, Christopher Thomas Jr. and Anthony Williams, which occurred in October 2018. The trial is scheduled to commence in September 2023.
The arrest of Liberty has introduced uncertainties regarding her continued involvement in Melly's legal defense. The impact of this development on the trial remains unclear. It is conceivable that Melly's defense team may need to seek alternative legal representation moving forward.
YNW Melly Double Murder Trial
Jamell Demons, known by his stage name YNW Melly, is currently facing two counts of first-degree murder for the 2018 shooting deaths of his friends, Christopher Thomas Jr. and Anthony Williams. The trial officially commenced on January 24, 2023, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
According to the prosecution, Melly is accused of fatally shooting Thomas and Williams inside a car following a recording session. They contend that Melly then orchestrated the crime scene to appear as though it was a drive-by shooting. In response, the defense has maintained Melly's innocence, arguing that the prosecution's case is built on circumstantial evidence.
This trial is expected to span several weeks, during which the prosecution has summoned over 30 witnesses to testify. Among them is the medical examiner who conducted the autopsies on Thomas and Williams, as well as various law enforcement officers involved in the investigation. The defense has also presented several witnesses, including Melly's mother and girlfriend.
The jury is projected to begin deliberations on February 16, 2023. If Melly is convicted, he could potentially face the death penalty. During the proceedings, the prosecution put forth evidence suggesting that Melly had a motive to commit the murders, emphasizing that Thomas and Williams intended to distance themselves from YNW Melly's group an act that Melly allegedly feared would jeopardize his fame and fortune.
In contrast, the defense presented evidence indicating that others had access to the firearm used in the killings and that no DNA evidence directly linked Melly to the crime scene. Furthermore, the prosecution highlighted inconsistencies in Melly's statements to the police regarding his whereabouts on the night of the murders, casting doubt on the credibility of his alibi. Conversely, the defense contended that Melly was under the influence of drugs to a degree that would render him incapable of carrying out such acts.
As the trial continues, the ultimate decision rests with the jury. However, this case has already garnered significant media attention, leaving a notable impact on the hip-hop industry
YNW Melly Lawyer Arrested - FAQs
Raven Liberty was arrested on August 25, 2022.
Raven Liberty is a highly successful attorney based in Miami, known for her expertise in the field of law.
Raven Liberty was arrested in Miami, Florida.
Raven Liberty paid a penalty of $1500 to drop all charges.
DJ Akademiks first shared Raven Liberty's mugshot on his Instagram feed.