50 Cent Must Turn in Guns in Domestic Violence Case
Rapper 50 Cent pleaded not guilty to domestic violence charges Monday, as a Los Angeles court ordered him to turn in his guns.
50 Cent, whose real name is Curtis James Jackson III, was charged over allegations that he had kicked Daphne Joy, who claims to be the mother of his child, and destroyed property in her L.A. condo, reports TMZ.
Domestic violence cases often have measures in place to protect victims, even when the suspected abuser is someone as famous as 50 Cent.
DV Restraining Order
In addition to surrendering his weapons, 50 was ordered to stay "at least 100 years away from [Joy] at all times," reports TMZ, which is fairly common language for a domestic violence restraining order.
Every state in the union allows restraining orders in domestic violence (DV) cases, and as a matter of course, most prosecutors will automatically file a protective order with the court prohibiting the defendant from contacting, visiting, or even sharing a residence with the alleged victim.
If the "P.I.M.P." artist violates the terms of the restraining order, he could potentially be charged with contempt of court, which could mean jail time for more than just a lil' bit.
Surrender Weapons
Many states, including California, typically prohibit a defendant from possessing a gun while under a DV protective order, and that includes the allegedly not-so-sweet "Candy Shop" rapper.
To comply with the court order, 50 Cent will need to surrender his weapons to law enforcement or sell them to a licensed gun dealer, and return proof that he surrendered them to the court.
If the charges against "Magic Stick" singer are dropped, 50 should be able to request his seized weapons back if he surrendered them to the cops.
Serious Charges
50 Cent faces up to five years in jail if convicted of his domestic violence charges, which stem from an incident in late June where 50 allegedly kicked Joy and did $7,100 in damage to her home, reports New York Daily News.
The fact that the "In Da Club" performer wasn't married to Joy is of little help; domestic violence charges can be filed even if a couple is merely dating.
When he returns for his next court hearing later this month, it might be better if 50 Cent comes off as more "Wanksta" than gangster.
Related Resources:
- 50 Cent Due In Court On Domestic Violence Charge After Allegedly Attacking Ex-Girlfriend (The Huffington Post)
- Terrell Suggs Ordered to Turn Over Guns in Domestic Case (FindLaw's Tarnished Twenty)
- How to Get a Restraining Order (FindLaw's Law and Daily Life)
- Protective Order Not Enforced, But In Force? No Gun for You! (FindLaw's U.S. Fourth Circuit Blog)