YNW Melly is overhauling his legal team. He filed a motion to fire the attorneys who have defended him since his arrest in 2019. He wants to bring in high powered replacements including Drew Findling and Carey Haughwout. Findling is a name that carries weight. He once represented Donald Trump. He also works with major rap star clients.
This move follows his co-defendant YNW Bortlen taking a plea deal. Bortlen pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact and witness tampering. The original first-degree murder charges were dropped for him in exchange for his cooperation.
One of the reasons Melly wants new lawyers is a potential conflict involving his current attorney Raven Liberty. Liberty is under investigation by the Broward Sheriff’s Office for alleged witness tampering. She hasn’t been charged yet.
Melly is facing his double murder retrial, scheduled for January 2027 in Broward County, Florida. In 2018 he allegedly murdered his two associates and staged the scene to look like a drive-by. His first trial in 2023 ended with a hung jury.
If the judge approves the switch in attorneys, Melly will be taking his chances with bigger names, hoping fresh legal muscle helps his case. The stakes are huge. If convicted, he could spend the rest of his life behind bars.
YNW Melly is gambling. He is changing teams because he believes the old guard may hold him back or already be compromised. He is trying to build a defense tower strong enough to withstand pressure from prosecutors, from co-defendant cooperation, from past mistrials. This story is not over.
