Controversial rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine has a long history of lyrics that celebrate drugs, gang life, and prison. He is now living that life after being denied bail and treated as a flight risk while facing an assault charge. The underlying charge stems from an incident in Texas where 6ix9ine allegedly choked a sixteen-year-old.

The underlying incident occurred at the Galleria Mall in Houston, Texas in January of 2018. According to police, the rapper had an altercation with a sixteen-year-old. Friends of 6ix9nine say the alleged fan who was recording the rapper as he walked through the mall began antagonizing him. That led to the alleged physical altercation which saw 6ix9ine choke the high school student before the two were separated.

The situation escalated after the rapper was charged with misdemeanor assault but skipped a court appearance to go on a European tour. A warrant was issued due to the failure to appear, and New York authorities arrested him on that warrant as soon as he landed in New York after returning from Europe. Despite the underlying charge only being a misdemeanor, prosecutors argued that 6ix9ine's flight to Europe at a time when he had a court appearance was evidence that the rapper was a flight risk. Prosecutors argued 6ix9ine should be held without bail until his hearing later this month that could see him extradited to Texas to face the assault and failure to appear charges. The judge agreed, denying bail and deeming the 22-year-old celebrity a flight risk.

For now, the rapper remains locked up in the NYC Department of Corrections West Facility. This facility is designed for inmates with infectious diseases but is at times used to separate celebrity inmates from the general population. The Court has ordered the eventual transfer of 6ix9ine to Rikers Island, where he will be held in isolation away from other inmates.

At his bail hearing, Tekashi asked for leniency to allow him to resume his career and support his daughter and mother. "I've been very remorseful for my lack of responsibility. In the short time I've been incarcerated, I've learned my lesson to be more respectful. I was not very responsible knowing it was that serious of a warrant for a misdemeanor," the rapper was reported to have said during his hearing. The judge was not moved, ordering him to stay incarcerated until his extradition.

The Law Offices of Steve Karimi

One of the worst and most avoidable mistakes you can make after being charged with a crime is missing a court date. A charge of failure to appear only puts you in more legal jeopardy and can cause you to lose your ability to stay out of jail while your original charges are still pending. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you navigate the court system. In some instances, court proceedings can be moved if the request is made in a timely fashion. In other cases, your appearance isn't necessary at all, as long as your attorney is able to appear on your behalf. If you're facing charges in the Seattle, Washington area and need experienced legal help, contact The Law Offices of Steve Karimi for your free consultation.