Joe Tacopina Confident A$AP Rocky Will Be Exonerated After Explosive Trial
By Chukwudi Onyewuchi on February 17, 2025 at 5:45 PM EST
A$AP Rocky's attorney, Joe Tacopina, is gearing up for another legal victory and has expressed confidence that his client will walk away a free man when the jury gives their verdict in his criminal assault case.
Tacopina has every reason to be confident given his track record of success in cases involving former clients like President Donald Trump and Alex Rodriguez.
Rocky is standing trial for allegedly firing a gun at his former friend, A$AP Relli, during a November 2021 altercation.
Joe Tacopina Expresses Confidence In A$AP Rocky's Exoneration
The jury will decide the outcome of Rocky's criminal trial, but the rapper has nothing to worry about if the words of his attorney are anything to go by.
During a chat with TMZ on Monday, Tacopina expressed his confidence in Rocky's ability to walk free after the trial.
The lawyer, who is renowned for his aggressive defense style, showed how valuable he was to Rocky when he cross-examined the prosecution's main witness, Relli.
He shared that he caught Relli in a web of lies during the cross-examination, adding that he defends his clients like family.
According to Tacopina, the criminal case against Rocky is a money grab. He also maintained that Rocky used a prop gun during his dispute with Relli, who he claimed was trying to extort the "Peso" rapper.
Joe Tacopina Intervenes Amid A$AP Rocky Outburst
Besides defending Rocky, Tacopina is also saving him from more trouble, as he did during a dramatic moment in the court trial.
On February 7, while prosecutors grilled Rocky's friend, A$AP Twelvyy, they asked him what the letters "AWGE" meant.
However, before Twelvyy could respond, Rocky yelled per TMZ, "Don't say." The rapper's outburst caused some chaos, with Tacopina asking for a sidebar with the judge when Twelvyy refused to answer the question.
During his chat with TMZ, Tacopina revealed that he stomped on Rocky's foot under the table to warn him.
He also joked that he was glad the "Everyday" rapper didn't have such an outburst during a more meaningful part of the trial.
A$AP Rocky Has So Much At Stake Amid Trial
Before the trial began, Rocky declined a plea deal offer. The deal required him to plead guilty to one of the two felony charges against him.
If he had done that, he would have served a six-month jail term with three years probation and a seven-year suspended sentence.
However, he and his legal team turned it down, with Tacopina expressing confidence in his defense strategy.
Declining the plea deal means so much is at stake for Rocky, whose career and brand deals hang in the balance. If the jury finds him guilty, he could serve up to 24 years in prison. Meanwhile, he has a pending cologne campaign with Gucci for its Guilty scent.
Tacopina revealed that he has been working to delay any marketing with the fashion giant until the jury gives its verdict. However, the famed attorney didn't reveal when the verdict would be announced.
Rocky's relationship with Rihanna could also be put to the test if the jury convicts him of the crimes he is accused of.
Rihanna Supporting Rocky During Trial With Court Appearances
Rihanna has been a constant presence at A$AP Rocky's ongoing trial, showing unwavering support for her partner.
The singer has attended court sessions alongside Rocky’s family, sitting in the front row as the case unfolds.
During key moments, including when Rocky’s former friend, A$AP Relli, testified, Rihanna was seen listening intently, even reading text messages on the screen.
Most recently, Rihanna arrived with their sons, RZA and Riot, to witness Rocky's closing arguments.
Despite the intense drama in the courtroom, including heated arguments and moments of tension, Rihanna remains by Rocky's side, demonstrating her dedication to him throughout the challenging proceedings.
Joe Tacopina Shares Why Rihanna's Presence In Court Could Be Key
A$AP Rocky's attorney, Tacopina, acknowledged that Rihanna's presence in court could significantly affect the trial's outcome.
Given her widespread appeal, Rihanna's attendance may influence jurors' opinions as a global cultural icon and influencer.
The prosecution and defense are aware of this potential impact, with the court even questioning jurors about their admiration for Rihanna or her Fenty Beauty products.
While Rihanna’s presence offers moral support to Rocky, there are concerns that it could sway the jury’s perception, possibly affecting the direction of the case as it unfolds.
