Offset's Attorney Says Police Targeted the Rapper Because He's Black and Successful

Offset's lawyer, Drew Findling, is convinced the authorities had it out for the rapper: "It's a common theme. We're talking about a young, African-American man driving a shiny, beautiful luxury car [...]"

Offset
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Image via Getty/Paras Griffin

Offset

Offset’s lawyer is calling BS on Georgia law enforcement.

Just a day after the Migos rapper was arrested outside Atlanta, his attorney Drew Findling expressed skepticism about the ordeal. The lawyer—who also represents celebrities like Gucci Mane, Katt Williams, and Trippie Redd—said he’s convinced police targeted Offset for several reasons: because he’s rich, black, and a rapper.

“It's a common theme. We're talking about a young, African-American man driving a shiny, beautiful luxury car and clad in designer clothes and watches and jewelry,” Findling told TMZ. “Unfortunately people in his genre become a target for law enforcement who think that lifestyle is connected to some illegal activity ... and that is a sad statement.”

Officers arrested the rapper Friday, following a traffic stop in Jonesboro, Georgia. It was initially reported that police pulled Offset over because of overly tinted windows; however, outlets later confirmed it was due to an illegal lane change.

According to USA Today, officers reportedly detected an odor of marijuana while approaching the car, prompting them to begin a search. They allegedly found three handguns, $107,000 in cash, as well as a small amount of weed (less than an ounce). Offset was then arrested and charged with improper lane change, possession of marijuana, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, and possession of a weapon during the commission of a crime.

Findling claims the firearms belonged to Offset’s assistant, a licensed gun owner who was traveling with the rapper at the time of the traffic stop. The lawyer said the assistant was carrying the guns in the vehicle for security reasons.

Initial reports stated that the arrest was a violation of Offset’s probation, stemming from 2015 drugs and weapons charges; however, Findling told AJC that his client’s probation sentence was terminated early.

Offset was released after posting $17,000 bail. His fiancée, Cardi B, shared an Instagram story confirming he was back home.

Cardi B IG

 

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