Tory Lanez has been looking to keep himself out of prison for a long while. It has now been reported that the rapper’s lawyers have filed a motion to disqualify a judge ahead of sentencing in the Megan Thee Stallion shooting case.
Lawyers Jose Baez and Matthew Barhoma filed a motion to disqualify Judge David Herriford, claiming the L.A. County Superior Court judge showed favoritism to the prosecution.
Previously, Herriford was the judge in the two-week trial for the rapper in December 2022, which resulted in the rapper being found guilty of three felony counts related to the Meg The Stallion shooting. Herriford also rejected Lanez’s motion for a new trial in May 2023.
Lawyers for Lanez gave multiple examples of “partiality” in the two-day hearing last month. The lawyers said, “Conversely, the judge gave the People a full and fair opportunity to present argument uninterrupted, even when the case cited by the People did not stand for the proposition that they advanced.”
After being called out by the lawyers, Herriford reportedly gave a “verified answer” via written order, saying, “I am not prejudiced or biased against or in favor of any party to this proceeding or their counsel.” The judge continued, “All statements made by me and all actions taken by me in this proceeding have been done in furtherance of what I believe were my judicial duties.”
The petition filed by Lanez and his lawyers has reportedly not been touched, and it hasn’t been noted if the court will look at it before sentencing for the rapper. As of now, Lanez is still scheduled to face sentencing on June 13, 2023.
source: Legal Affairs & Trials
