Houston-based rapper Lil Flip was arrested in Louisiana on Christmas night after being pulled over for speeding by deputies from the De Soto Parish Sheriff’s Office. The rapper was arrested on drug charges and weapon charges.
According to sources, Lil Flip was driving through Shreveport with a passenger, a Shreveport resident. Deputies alleged that the rapper was driving at 86 miles per hour in a zone posted with a maximum speed limit of 75.
During a roadside search of the rapper’s car, deputies claim they found a Bushmaster AR-15 assault rifle and marijuana.
Both the rapper and his passenger were arrested. Lil Flip was charged with third-offense possession of marijuana, possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance, and speeding. The passenger was charged with illegal possession of a firearm.
According to the sources, the passenger was detained at the Desoto Parish Detention Center and released on $25,000 bond. Lil Flip remained in detention with bond set at $35,000.
Since his arrest, the rapper has maintained that he had a Texas permit to carry the weapon that was valid in 22 other states, including Louisiana.
Louisiana law has strict penalties for drug-related offenses. An arrest and subsequent conviction may have serious consequences for a defendant, so a potential criminal conviction must be taken seriously and acted on at once by the accused.
While the consequences of being found guilty on drug or weapons charges are severe, the criminal justice system does provide protections to anyone who has been accused. In some situations, charges can be reduced or even dismissed. In any case, there may be mitigating factors that need to be brought to light in order to protect a defendant’s freedom.
Source: mtv.com, “Lil Flip Arrested With Drugs, Assault Rifle,” Nadeska Alexis, Dec.27, 2012