Lil Durk appeared in court on Thursday (May 8), where a federal judge denied his latest bail request—despite a revised proposal that included a $150,000 increase to his previously offered $1 million bond and a plan for a professional security team to monitor him under house arrest.
The rapper’s attorney, Drew Findling, argued that the updated bail package was “robust” and more than reasonable, especially given Durk's lack of a prior criminal record. However, U.S. Magistrate Judge Patricia Donahue rejected the request, citing allegations that Durk “repeatedly used at least 13 other inmate phone accounts to make phone calls” from the detention center. The judge also accused him of participating in unauthorized three-way calls.
Findling pushed back, saying that sharing phone accounts is a common practice in federal detention facilities and that Durk’s only intention was to stay connected with his family. But Judge Donahue wasn’t convinced.
“While the practice might not be uncommon, it shows a disregard for the rules—and that’s precisely this court’s concern regarding risk of flight,” she stated.
Judge Donahue emphasized the gravity of the case, noting that the charges Durk faces carry a mandatory minimum sentence of life in prison.
According to Rolling Stone, Durk stood and acknowledged nearly two dozen supporters in the courtroom after the hour-long hearing, placing a hand over his heart and offering a smile.
Following the decision, Findling told Rolling Stone that he plans to appeal the bail denial. He also questioned the strength of the government’s case, saying it now hinges on a single text message sent on August 18, 2022. In the message, Durk told a co-conspirator: “Don’t book no flights under no names involved wit me.”
Findling called the text “completely out of context,” adding, “They don’t know what the meaning of it was. And other than that, there’s nothing that sets forth any direct evidence tying him to anything alleged in the indictment.”
Source: Rolling Stone
