Kodak Black’s oxycodone charge dismissed after ‘cocaine’ flub

Atlanta, Georgia Jailed rap sensation Kodak Black is celebrating a significant legal win as a Florida judge dismissed his drug charge linked to an arrest that initially raised eyebrows. The incident occurred on December 7, 2023, when authorities apprehended the artist for alleged cocaine possession. However, subsequent lab testing revealed that the substance in question was, in fact, oxycodone—a prescription medication.

The cocaine mix-up

Kodak Black, whose legal name is Bill Kapri, submitted a valid prescription for the oxycodone to the court, leading to the favorable ruling. Prosecutors attempted to argue that additional evidence was necessary to substantiate the prescription. However, Judge Barbara Duffy firmly upheld the rule of law, emphasizing that the defendant had indeed obtained a legitimate oxycodone prescription from a pharmacy. The court’s decision underscores the importance of due process and adherence to legal standards.

Defense lawyer’s perspective

In an exclusive text message to Rolling Stone, Kapri’s defense lawyer, Brad Cohen, expressed satisfaction with the outcome. “

"This case should not have been filed,” Cohen stated. “I tried to explain that to the Broward State Attorney’s Office to no avail."

His next objective? Securing Kodak Black’s release from custody—a complex task given the interconnected legal threads.

Navigating legal complexities

Kapri’s December 7 arrest triggered a series of legal repercussions. Not only did it lead to the revocation of his bond in a separate Broward County drug case (where he has pleaded not guilty), but it also jeopardized his federal supervised release. The latter stems from a 2019 conviction related to a false statement during a firearms purchase. Cohen acknowledges the intricacies involved in untangling these legal knots.

Prosecution’s burden of proof

Prosecutors contended that Kapri’s prescription documentation fell short. They argued that the recovered oxycodone lacked proper labeling to indicate valid possession. Furthermore, attempts to contact the prescribing doctor proved unsuccessful. Cohen countered this stance, asserting that the state bore the responsibility of proving that the pills were not connected to a prescription—a critical distinction.

What lies ahead

As Kodak Black’s legal team continues their efforts, the rapper remains in federal prison. The road to freedom involves addressing multiple legal fronts, including reinstating his bond and navigating the complexities of supervised release. For now, the artist can celebrate a hard-fought victory—one that underscores the importance of accurate legal representation and the pursuit of justice.