Update 12/11/2020 3:31pm:

In a virtual courtroom before a federal judge Friday, Lil Wayne pleaded guilty Friday to a charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

The charge carries a maximum of ten years in prison, but federal sentencing guidelines place his recommended sentence much lower than that. He also gets a reduction of sentence for agreeing to plead guilty this early in the process. 

U.S. District Judge Kathleen M. Wiliams said she would impose a sentence that is "reasonable under the circumstances in your particular case" but added she won't know until she reviews a probation report and attorney arguments related to the charge.

"Simply put Mr. Carter you won't be able to take back your guilty plea because you don't like the sentence that I give you. Do you understand that?" Williams asked. 

"Yes, Your Honor," Lil Wayne replied. 

Lil Wayne's attorney, Howard Srebnick, said in court that before Lil Wayne decided the guilty plea, the defense was planning to file a motion arguing that authorities had violated Lil Wayne's Fourth Amendment rights when they searched him and allegedly found the pistol. 

"I must say I thought it was a very viable motion," Srebnick said, adding that he was impressed by Lil Wayne's decision to "take responsibility" early in the case. 

In court Friday, Lil Wayne's attorney noted Lil Wayne's medical condition -- epilepsy -- that he said would make him vulnerable to COVID-19 if he is incarcerated. 

Before pleading guilty, Lil Wayne was sworn in and answered basic questions about his educational and medical history, which is standard when a defendant agrees to plead guilty to a charge. The judge found him fully competent to enter the plea.

In November, federal prosecutors in the Miami area charged Lil Wayne with being a felon in possession of a firearm. The charging records allege he was found in possession of the gun on Dec. 23, 2019. 

Srebnick told VladTV the firearm in question was ornamental; a gold-plated handgun found in the luggage of his private plane. He did not respond to questions asking whether his client deserved a pardon from President Donald Trump. 

Lil Wayne's sentencing date has been set for January 14 at 2 p.m. EST. While he awaits his sentence, Lil Wayne will remain out of custody on a $200,000 bond. He has surrendered his passport to federal authorities and must get approval from the federal probation department before traveling.

Written by: Nate Gartrell

Original 11/18/2020 11:44am:

The official court records in Lil Wayne's federal case have been released. This comes after he was charged on Tuesday (November 17) in Florida with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The federal offense carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

The charges are linked to an incident in December 2019 when Wayne's private plane was searched in Miami, and drugs and guns were found aboard. Wayne reportedly told investigators the gun was a Father’s Day gift.

Carter’s attorney, Howard Srebnick, responded to the charges, telling VladTV reporter Nate Gartrell, "Carter is charged with possessing a gold-plated handgun in his luggage on a private plane. There is no allegation that he ever fired it, brandished it, used it or threatened to use it. There is no allegation that he is a dangerous person." 

An initial court date on the weapons charge is set for Dec. 11 in Miami federal court.