Project
Pat
is seeking a new trial on the basis that the judge and the jurywere unfairly influenced by his lyrics. Pat’s attorneys argued that the judge
on the case, Judge Robert H. Cleland, allowed the imagery in Pat’s music to
be used during the trial. During the trial, Houston’s lawyers attempted to limit
the prosecutions examination of Pat’s lyrics based on claim of "protected
speech." The defense also objected to the prosecution using the term "Gangsta
Rap," which prosecutors claimed was Pat’s style of rap.
"We contend
… (Cleland) increased the sentence as a result of the lyrics of some of Mr.
Houston’s songs,” defense attorney John E. Herbison of Nashville told the Associated
Press. “I have some concerns … as to whether that violates the First Amendment.”
Pat was convicted
last month in federal court in Jackson of being a felon in possession of a gun.
He was sentenced to four years and three months in prison. He was arrested in
January of 2001 when Memphis police stopped Pat and found two loaded revolvers
in his S.U.V. The arresting officer, Michael Mccord testified that Houston admitted
the guns were his for protection.
Pat, Juicy J and
DJ Paul allege racism, saying that the jury that tried him was all white, and
that the D.A. was jealous of Pat’s success as an artist.