FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — After three YSL defendants took plea deals within the last several days, rapper Young Thug, whose real name is Jeffery Williams, entered a non-negotiated plea on Thursday.
Williams pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including gang activity, and weapons and drug charges. He also had a plea of nolo contendere for RICO and street gang leader charges.
Here's what these terms mean and how a non-negotiated plea is different from how one thinks of a "plea deal."
What is a non-negotiated plea?
A non-negotiated plea is one where the District Attorney and defense attorney have not reached an agreement on the terms, according to the Fulton County Clerk of Courts website.
Because there's no agreement between the parties, the defendant -- in this case, Young Thug -- appeared before a judge, and the judge determines the sentence.
Just like in this case, parties can give their perspective. For example, the state recommended 45 years, with 25 to serve in custody and 21 on probation subject to the special gang statute. But at the end of the day, the judge will have the final say on the defendant's sentencing fate.
For this particular case, Judge Paige Whitaker sentenced Williams to 40 years, with 5 to service, but commuted to time served with 15 years of probation followed by backloaded 20 years. If not successful on probation, it can be served in custody, but if successful, it can be commuted to time served after probation is fulfilled. He will remain on reporting status for the first 7.5 years.
The judge imposed several special conditions, including staying away from the Atlanta census area for the first 10 years except for exceptions.
In general, this all compares to how people normally think of a "plea deal." In a negotiated guilty plea, the district attorney and the defense attorney agree to a sentence, which they then propose to a judge.
What is a nolo contendere plea?
A nolo contendere plea is also known as a no-contest plea. According to a Gwinnett County-based criminal law firm, Philip Kim Law, P.C., this is a legal option for a person to not admit guilt but also not dispute the charges against them.
So, the defendant neither accepts nor denies responsibility for the charges but also waives the right to a trial. It also means the court is authorized to proceed as if a guilty plea was entered.
Young Thug did this for two charges: violating the RICO Act and participation in a criminal street gang.
11Alive has tracked key developments in the case and highlighted moments in the courtroom. Follow along in the timeline below.