Kate Mangels recently spoke to Vulture about rapper A$AP Rocky’s 2021 felony assault with a semi-automatic firearm charge, which is currently playing out in court in Los Angeles. Rocky pleaded not guilty to the charge, asserting that he used a prop weapon and no bullets were fired.
Kate explains to Vulture that the judge will take Rocky’s previous criminal history into account, including his 2019 assault sentencing in Sweden, where he was found guilty for his role in a street fight.
“There is a wide range of possible options for sentencing, which is largely up to the discretion of the court,” Kate says. “The jury does not participate in sentencing decisions.”
Kate adds that although Rocky denied a plea deal prior to the trial, the DA could offer the deal again at any point before the jury reaches a verdict.
Kate tells Vulture that although President Trump helped orchestrate Rocky’s release when he was charged with assault six years ago in Sweden, he will be unable to pardon Rocky if he’s convicted, as a president does not have the authority to pardon crimes charged in a state court.
