The courts take probation violation very seriously, as has just been demonstrated in the Meek Mill Case. He is behind bars for 2 to 4 years for violating the terms of his probation. What is Meek Mill’s situation, and what is a probation violation? Here are the details.
Why Is Meek Mill Going Back To Prison?
Meek Mill is going back to prison because of a probation violation. He had been in jail in 2008, convicted on drug and gun charges. His sentence was eight months in jail and five years of probation. On November 8, 2017, Mill re-entered the Pennsylvania State Correctional Institution at Graterford in Montgomery County. A judge sentenced him to 2 to 4 years for probation violation.
Who Is Meek Mill?
Meek Mill, born Robert Rihmeek William, is a famous rapper who is 30 years old. He got his start in his hometown of Philadelphia where he started a band called Bloodhoundz, a short-lived Battle Rap band. The record label “TI” signed him as an artist in 2008. In 2011 he released his debut album on fellow rapper Rick Ross’s label, Maybach Music Group. Consequently, he released his first album, Dreams, and Nightmares, in 2012. He launched Dream Chaser Records, his record label imprint, in 2012.
What Were His Probation Violations?
According to the judge, Meek Mill violated his probation three times.
- In 2016, Mill violated his probation because of unapproved travel. He went to New York City for a benefit concert, and also had traveled to visit his girlfriend, Nicki Minaj.
- March of 2017 brought a misdemeanor for Meek. He got into an altercation at the St. Louis Airport with some employees. An airport employee was determined to get a picture with Mill, and a fight ensued. Mill agreed to community service, and the prosecutor dropped the charges.
- The next violation was reckless endangerment in New York City. After his appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Falon, he was busted popping wheelies on a dirt bike. Mill was in traffic and not wearing a helmet, so he received a charge of reckless driving. Together with the previous offenses, this third strike is what caused the judge to have him charged with a probation violation.
Public Outcry Over Meek Mills Sentence
Meek Mills many fans feel the sentence is unfair. Correspondingly, there has been a massive public outcry. His lawyer Brian McMonagle has vowed to fight his conviction. Likewise, change.org has started a petition called “Somebody Save Meek Mills,” and they are going straight to the top and asking Pennsylvania governor Tom Wolf to reevaluate the sentence. Furthermore, hashtags #justice4meek and #freemeekmill are circulating widely on social media.
Also, a rally took place in Philadelphia on November 13th to show support for the rapper. It took place outside the courthouse and featured famous speakers like sports legends 76er Julius Erving and Philadelphia Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins. Also, fellow rappers Rick Ross and Freeway made impassioned pleas for his release.
Fans and supporters feel the justice system failed him, and that it wasn’t fair that the judge counted the dropped charges. In the first place, they point to his positive influence on youth, as well as the fact that his career requires him to travel. Mill has a 3-year-old son, coupled with the fact that he wants to attend college. Mill claims that he has turned his life around.
Probation Violations Explained
A probation violation is when someone disobeys the terms of probation the judge sets forth in their sentencing. It can have different consequences depending on many factors, including prior offenses and the severity of the crime.
Reasons For A Probation Violation Charge
Someone may receive a probation violation charge for several reasons. These include,
- Getting arrested for an offense
- Not going to appointments with a probation officer
- Not appearing in court at the appointed time
- Selling, possessing, or using drugs
- Traveling out of state without permission
- Not paying fines or fees required
- Committing an offense
What Happens When Probation Is Violated?
There are many consequences of violating probation. If a judge decides the defendant has served enough time, he or she may terminate the probation. This decision is the best possible outcome. They also may extend your probation, or order the defendant to appear in court. During the court appearance, the probation officer is likely to request some sentence. The penalty could include brief jail time, hefty fines, or an order to serve your original sentence behind bars.
Lighter consequences for a probation violation include community service, boot camp, as well as rehabilitation. The sentence depends on the severity of the breach. Additionally, it also could include restitution, which means paying fines to the victim or victims.
Violating the terms of probation can have grave consequences. Will the public outrage of Meek Mills many fans succeeds in getting him out of jail? It is still unknown. The case proves that the justice system in the United States takes a probation violation very seriously, therefore, making the wrong decisions while on probation can have serious consequences.