A Pennsylvania appeals court overturned Meek Mill’s 2008 conviction on Wednesday (July 24). The unanimous three-judge opinion grants Meek a new trial due to the evidence of alleged police corruption.
The Pennsylvania Superior Court also overturned the trial judge’s parole violation findings that sent Meek back to prison in 2017.
“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,” Meek said in a statement sent to HipHopDX. “The past 11 years have been mentally and emotionally challenging, but I’m ecstatic that justice prevailed.”
Meek went on to thank his team and fans for standing by his side throughout the entire ordeal.
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“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,” he continued.
“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 I’m committed to working with my team at the REFORM Alliance to change these outdated laws and fix our broken criminal justice system.”
The ruling means Meek is no longer on probation and his criminal record is scrubbed, something Philadelphia 76s owner Michael Rubin noted in a statement to DX.
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“I’m thrilled for Meek that the Superior Court granted him a new trial and, for the first time in his adult life, he’s no longer on probation and has no criminal record,” Rubin said. “Time after time, I’ve watched the criminal justice system railroad Meek, but through it all, he’s handled this adversity with extraordinary strength and poise.
“But the fight isn’t over — there are still millions of people unfairly trapped in the legal system. Meek, myself and our team at the REFORM Alliance are working feverishly to address these issues in a meaningful way and with transformative legislation.”
Prosecutors could ultimately decide to drop the case.
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Wednesday’s ruling brings an end to a contentious legal battle between Judge Genece Brinkley, Meek and his legal team. Brinkley had been the presiding judge over Meek’s case for the past decade. In 2017, she sentenced Meek to two to four years behind bars, which many deemed harsh.
Meek walked out of Chester State Prison in April 2018 after serving roughly five months. Since then, he’s become a voice for criminal justice reform.
[This article has been updated. The following was published on July 4, 2019.]
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Meek Mill was granted an appellate court hearing with the Superior Court in Philadelphia on Tuesday (June 4), according to a statement obtained by HipHopDX.
The Philly rapper’s legal team will have the chance to advocate for Meek’s original conviction to be overturned in front of the Pennsylvania Superior Court – not Judge Genece Brinkley, the controversial judge who’s been accused of having a personal vendetta against the Championships artist.
The Philly D.A. advocated for a new trial just last month.
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Throughout Meek’s legal ordeal, it was discovered Meek’s 2007 original arresting officer Reginald Graham was entangled in corruption scandals and provided false testimony, including on Meek’s case.
Graham testified Meek was selling drugs and pointing a gun at police officers at the time of his arrest, but Meek insists that isn’t true. Graham’s fellow officer, Jerold Gibson, submitted a sworn affidavit that corroborated Meek’s story. [apple_news_ad type=”any”]
In June 2018, Brinkley denied Meek’s effort to get another trial and overturn the conviction — despite the overwhelming evidence in Meek’s favor. Now, Meek’s legal team can finally present their case in front of the Superior Court in an effort to finally clear Meek’s name so he can resume life with no bail restrictions
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One of Meek’s attorneys, Jordan Siev, is more than ready to present their case.
“We’re looking forward to the oral argument before the Superior Court of Pennsylvania and to, hopefully, having Meek’s conviction vacated. In light of the District Attorney’s recent filing, where he supports the granting of a new trial to Meek and the recusal of Judge Brinkley, we hope to have this injustice rectified once and for all.”
The hearing is scheduled for July 16 at 3:30 p.m. local time.
