On Tuesday (October 22), the Georgia Supreme Court overturned a judge’s controversial decision to hold Young Thug’s attorney, Brian Steele, in contempt of court. The judges said Judge Ural Granville’s actions prevented Steele from receiving due process in the court dispute that rocked the YSL RICO trial.
“Because the trial court delayed the announcement of specific penalties, Steele was entitled to additional proceedings,” the Georgia Supreme Court noted. “In particular, it was entitled to have the matter heard by another judge. Steele has repeatedly refused to comply. A direct order from Judge Glanville, which was directed at the conduct of the judge… The exchanges between Steele and Judge Glanville make it clear that Judge Glanville was involved in this dispute and that for these reasons a different judge should be involved. The judge presides over the contempt hearing and if not, it needs to be dismissed.
Last June, Judge Glanville held Steele in contempt of court for refusing to reveal how attorneys learned the judge secretly met with witnesses in Young Thug’s trial. A judge ordered Steele to spend 10 weekends in jail, but the order was stayed pending Steele’s appeal.
Attorney Ashleigh Merchant, who represented Steele in the appeal, celebrated their victory on social media.
“Brian Steele’s contempt conviction was overturned by the Supreme Court! Justice prevailed!!” she wrote. “I am deeply honored to work with this team of the best attorneys in the country to represent our finest.” One of the attorneys, Brian Steel, works!
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Judge Glanville presided over much of Young Thug’s slow-moving trial, but June’s conflict with Steele led to the judge’s dismissal. Judge Rachel Krause granted Young Thug’s motion to disqualify/recuse Judge Granville in July.
“This Court has no doubt that Judge Granville can and will continue to hear the case impartially if the recusal motion is denied, but the ‘need to preserve public confidence in the judicial system’ favors exempting Judge Granville from further proceedings.” “This case,” Judge Krause ruled.
Judge Paige Reese Whitaker ultimately took over Young Thug’s trial, which began in 2023 but has not yet concluded. Young Thug has been behind bars since his arrest in 2022.
