NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - OCTOBER 29: Kodak Black performs onstage during Powerhouse NYC on October 29, 2022 in Newark, New Jersey.
Music

Kodak Black Scores Big Legal Win as Florida Felony Fleeing Charge Is Dismissed

A Broward County judge tossed out the felony case against the rapper after bodycam footage proved he simply drove away from a casual stoplight chat.

By Rae MitchellPublished Updated 2 min read

Kodak Black is celebrating another major win inside the courtroom. A Florida judge officially tossed out a heavy felony charge against the hitmaking rapper, ending a months-long legal standoff over an alleged police encounter in his home state. The legal trouble originally began back in May when authorities accused the artist—whose legal name is Bill Kapri—of fleeing from a law enforcement official during an incident in Pompano Beach that took place in February. Prosecutors claimed the rap star drove off after being approached by a deputy, prompting the felony charge that threatened his freedom.

Why Was Kodak Black Arrested in Florida Kodak's high-powered defense attorney, Bradford Cohen, took aggressive action to dismantle the state's case. He filed a motion to dismiss in August, pointing directly to official police body camera footage as undeniable proof that the rapper committed no crime during the stoplight encounter. According to official court filings, Kodak was engaged in what was described as a consensual interaction with the deputy while stopped at a traffic signal. Once the brief exchange concluded, the rapper simply drove off at a standard, law-abiding speed rather than recklessly trying to escape. Cohen made sure to highlight a critical detail in his motion to the court: at no point during the interaction did the law enforcement officer actually inform Kodak that he was conducting a formal traffic stop. The deputy also failed to advise the rap star that he was detained or that he was required to remain at the scene.

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - OCTOBER 29: Kodak Black performs onstage during Powerhouse NYC on October 29, 2022 in Newark, New Jersey.
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - OCTOBER 29: Kodak Black performs onstage during Powerhouse NYC on October 29, 2022 in Newark, New Jersey.

What Happened to Kodak Black Case When presented with the clear bodycam footage and Cohen's legal arguments, state prosecutors ultimately decided not to oppose the defense motion. Without any pushback from the prosecution, Broward County Circuit Judge George Odom Jr. officially signed an order dismissing the felony case on Tuesday, September 8. The decisive ruling delivers a massive relief for the South Florida music star, who has dealt with a succession of legal hurdles alongside his booming rap career. By securing a full dismissal before the case ever went to trial, Kodak completely clears his name of the fleeing allegation and puts the February incident firmly in his rearview mirror.

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People also ask

What charge was dropped against Kodak Black?
A Broward County judge officially dismissed a felony charge accusing Kodak Black of fleeing a law enforcement officer in Pompano Beach.
Who is Kodak Black's lawyer?
Attorney Bradford Cohen represents Kodak Black and successfully secured the dismissal by citing police bodycam evidence.