Rapper Boosie Badazz Receives Lenient Sentence in Gun Case
US District Judge Cathy Ann Bencivengo handed down a sentence of time served, three years of supervised release, and 300 hours of community service to rapper Torence Hatch, also known as Boosie Badazz. This decision was largely in line with what the defense had requested, although they had asked for only two years of probationary term.
The rapper's lawyer, Meghan Blanco, described the outcome as "a great day" and expressed gratitude on behalf of her client and his family. According to Blanco, the sentence allows Hatch to move forward with his life and continue his music career while remaining a positive influence on his children and the broader community.
Federal probation officials had initially recommended a longer prison term of 46 months, citing Hatch's prior convictions for various crimes. However, prosecutors had asked for a shorter term, highlighting the rapper's guilty plea last August and his troubled childhood as mitigating factors.
In court filings, Hatch described his decision to possess a firearm in California as "a lapse in judgment" rather than ongoing criminal behavior. He claimed that the incident was "nonviolent and isolated," occurring after an approximately ten-year gap between his prior criminal conduct.
Prosecutors noted that Hatch's difficult upbringing had contributed to his current predicament, citing witness accounts of his witnessing domestic violence between his parents as a child, his father's substance abuse, and his own struggles with depression. However, they also acknowledged his acceptance of responsibility for the crime.
Hatch's background includes prior convictions for resisting arrest, battery, assault, and other crimes, which could have carried more severe penalties if he had gone to trial. Despite this, Hatch was able to negotiate a plea deal that allowed him to avoid lengthy prison time.
The sentence has been seen as lenient, given the seriousness of possessing a firearm as a felon. However, it appears that Judge Bencivengo took into account the rapper's history, his guilty plea, and his decision to take responsibility for his actions. As part of his sentence, Hatch will also be required to serve 300 hours of community service.
US District Judge Cathy Ann Bencivengo handed down a sentence of time served, three years of supervised release, and 300 hours of community service to rapper Torence Hatch, also known as Boosie Badazz. This decision was largely in line with what the defense had requested, although they had asked for only two years of probationary term.
The rapper's lawyer, Meghan Blanco, described the outcome as "a great day" and expressed gratitude on behalf of her client and his family. According to Blanco, the sentence allows Hatch to move forward with his life and continue his music career while remaining a positive influence on his children and the broader community.
Federal probation officials had initially recommended a longer prison term of 46 months, citing Hatch's prior convictions for various crimes. However, prosecutors had asked for a shorter term, highlighting the rapper's guilty plea last August and his troubled childhood as mitigating factors.
In court filings, Hatch described his decision to possess a firearm in California as "a lapse in judgment" rather than ongoing criminal behavior. He claimed that the incident was "nonviolent and isolated," occurring after an approximately ten-year gap between his prior criminal conduct.
Prosecutors noted that Hatch's difficult upbringing had contributed to his current predicament, citing witness accounts of his witnessing domestic violence between his parents as a child, his father's substance abuse, and his own struggles with depression. However, they also acknowledged his acceptance of responsibility for the crime.
Hatch's background includes prior convictions for resisting arrest, battery, assault, and other crimes, which could have carried more severe penalties if he had gone to trial. Despite this, Hatch was able to negotiate a plea deal that allowed him to avoid lengthy prison time.
The sentence has been seen as lenient, given the seriousness of possessing a firearm as a felon. However, it appears that Judge Bencivengo took into account the rapper's history, his guilty plea, and his decision to take responsibility for his actions. As part of his sentence, Hatch will also be required to serve 300 hours of community service.
Boosie Badazz has been involved in some wild stuff in the past and you'd think he'd get more than just time served for messing with a gun, but I guess when you're a celebrity, you can talk your way out of trouble sometimes 
. On one hand, its good that he's getting a chance to continue his music career and be a positive influence on his kids, but on the other hand, 300 hours of community service might not be enough considering the severity of the crime 
. I mean, what if someone gets hurt or something? The system is kinda messed up sometimes 
.
. Three years of supervised release? That's like, a breeze for most people, right? 
But at the same time, I think it's kinda harsh considering his troubled past 
.
. He didn't exactly commit a string of violent crimes or anything 
. And the fact that his lawyer said it's a "great day" for him and his family makes me think maybe the judge was being a bit too lenient 
.
. Can we just agree to disagree? 
it's cool that he's taking responsibility for his actions & getting help. but at the same time, possessing a firearm as a felon is still a pretty serious offense 
and i'm not sure 300 hours of community service really makes up for it 
"
Boosie's been through tough stuff & is taking responsibility – it's a start 
. On the other hand, I guess it's better than locking him up for good 
. You gotta respect that he took responsibility for his actions and all 
like seriously, 300 hrs of community service ain't gonna cut it. if he's been in trouble with the law for years and now gets a slap on the wrist, what's next? 
people are gonna think they can just get away with stuff as long as they're famous 
. It will be interesting to see how this sentence plays out in the long run 
. community service, tho? seems like a way to give back without servin up too much time 
. still hope Boosie can turn his life around & keep makin music 
.
This rap game is all about the drama 
! Boosie Badazz got a reprieve from prison life 
, but the judge took his history into consideration 
. Community service? That's cool, I guess 
maybe it's good that he can get back to music and be a positive influence on his kids now 