Lil Wayne has pleaded not guilty to gun possession charges stemming from a New York City arrest in 2007.
Wayne, real name Dwayne Carter, was arrested in July 2007 following a performance at the Beacon Theatre.
After the show, a police officer searched the megastar’s tour bus on the allegation that she smelled marijuana.
During the subsequent search, the officer claims an illegal .40 caliber pistol was discovered as Wayne attempted to conceal it.
Wayne’s defense attorney Stacey Robinson argued today (February 24) that the handgun could not be admissible as evidence, since the arresting officer concocted the marijuana claim and had no legal merit to enter the vehicle.
Justice Charles Solomon overruled the motion, and the weapon will be allowed as evidence for the case.
If convicted, Lil Wayne faces a maximum of 15 years in prison.
The trial has been scheduled for April 20, and is likely the reason for Wayne’s rock album Rebirth being rescheduled from April 7 to May 19.
The case ruling comes just weeks after the New Orleans native secured four Grammys this year for Rap Album of the Year (Tha Carter III), Best Solo Rap Performance (“A Milli”), Best Rap Song (“Lollipop”), and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration (“Swagga Like Us”).
At press time, Lil Wayne remains free on $70,000 bail.
