'It's About Time': Appeals Court Throws Out Meek Mill's Decade-Old Conviction, Grants New Trial With New Judge
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Philadelphia rapper Meek Mill has been granted a new trial. He is off probation after more than decade, thanks to a critical court decision.
Mill has been fighting for this day since 2008. That's when he was convicted of drug and gun charges.
His lawyers argued those charges should be overturned. Three judges with the state Superior Court agree. So do Meek Mill fans.
"After all he went through, it's about time. It's about time," Yvette Moore said.
On Wednesday, fans of the platinum-selling rapper Meek Mill erupted in celebration after hearing he was granted a new trial after being convicted 11 years go.
"He should have been off. It was a long time ago," Ikaem Salley said.
Mill's real name is Robert Williams. On Wednesday, he was also told he's off parole for the first time in a decade.
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On CBS This Morning with Gayle King one week ago, Mill explained the hardships of traveling while on parole.
"Even if it's to the next county over, if it's out of the city, if you don't ask for permission you could get the rest of your probation time given to you as jail time legally," he said.
On Wednesday though, Mill was in a much happier mood. He tweeted, "life blessings just keep coming," and "I'm not on probation right now ... new label deal with Jay-Z. Today was lit already."
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The judges' decision to grant Mill a new trial comes after the credibility of the officer who testified at Mill's trial was questioned. The officer claimed Mill pointed a gun at police during his arrest, but Mill has denied that charge.
Then, the judge presiding over Mill's trial, Genece Brinkley, sent him back to prison following technical parole violations. Mill's legal team criticized the decision, calling Brinkley partial.
"Judge Brinkley has no regrets whatsoever," attorney Charles Peruto said.
Peruto represents Brinkley and says she respects the Superior Court's decision to grant Mill a new trial.
"She's fine with it. It did not impugn on her integrity whatsoever," Peruto said.
When asked if Mill would have gotten this treatment if he wasn't a platinum-selling rapper, Peruto said "Meek Mill's case wouldn't even reach a decision yet."
The Philadelphia District Attorney's Office could decided whether or not to drop Mill's case altogether. They say they are reviewing the case right now.
The rapper also released the following statement after the announcement of his overturned conviction:
"I'd like to thank the Pennsylvania Superior Court judges for their wisdom and transparency in reviewing my case, unanimously overturning my conviction and granting me a new trial. The past 11 years have been mentally and emotionally challenging, but I'm ecstatic that justice prevailed. This positive outcome wouldn't have been possible without the support of my family, my attorneys, JAY-Z, Desiree Perez, Michael Rubin, the Philadelphia District Attorney's office and my supporters who have stood with me through the ups and downs. Unfortunately, millions of people are dealing with similar issues in our country and don't have the resources to fight back like I did. We need to continue supporting them. I'm committed to working with my team at the REFORM Alliance to change these outdated laws and fix our broken criminal justice system."
