FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — Atlanta rapper Young Thug's lawyers have filed a renewed motion for bond in Fulton County Superior Court.
The motion, submitted by his attorneys Brian Steel and Keith Adams, argues for Jeffery Williams' release (Williams is Young Thug's legal name) pending trial, emphasizing his strong community ties and the alleged severe conditions he faces in jail.
Since his initial arrest in the case in May 2022, he has been in jail without bond for over two years.
Key Points Made in the Motion
- Presumption of Innocence: The motion states that Young Thug is presumed innocent until proven guilty. His attorneys argue that the prosecution bears the burden of proving by clear and convincing evidence that Williams should be denied bond.
- Community Ties: Williams, who was born and raised in Atlanta, has strong roots in the community. He has resided in the city his entire life despite his international music career. Williams' family, including his six children and parents, also live in Atlanta. His attorneys highlighted his longstanding presence and commitment to the community as evidence that he is not a flight risk.
- Employment and Legal History: Williams has been gainfully employed since a young age, rising to prominence as a recording artist. He has a history of responding to legal processes, with no prior instances of failing to appear in court.
What are the Proposed Bond Conditions
To address concerns about community safety, Williams' attorneys proposed strict bond conditions. These include 24/7 monitoring by off-duty law enforcement officers, house arrest with an ankle monitor, and stringent visitor approval processes. The motion also suggests that Williams' communications be monitored to prevent any risk of witness intimidation or obstruction of justice.
Along with those, the motion also speaks to the alleged harsh conditions, adding that Williams is being confined to a small cement cell for 22 hours a day, with no human contact except during legal visits and court appearances. The conditions are described as torturous, with inedible food and foul living quarters.
The attorneys also addressed the four-prong test used to determine bond eligibility, asserting that Williams is not a flight risk, does not pose a significant threat to the community, is not likely to commit a felony while out on bond, and will not intimidate witnesses or obstruct justice.