Rapper Ja Rule, whose real name is Jeffrey Atkins, was recently released from federal prison for illegal gun possession only to be sent into custody for failing to comply with federal tax law.
The Platinum-selling rapper served most of his two year sentence for possessing illegal firearms, and was recently escorted by U.S. Marshals to another institution to serve the remainder of his sentence for tax evasion. The Associated Press noted that the rapper still has time remaining on his 28-month sentence for tax evasion, which ran concurrently with his gun crime. Ja Rule has been in protective custody during this jail stint due to his celebrity status, and may be eligible for transfer to a halfway house after six months in prison, the AP reports.
The rapper currently owes the Internal Revenue Service roughly $1.1 million in back taxes, penalties and interest. Once he is out of prison, he will also face one year of supervised release, the AP said.
Ja Rule plead guilty to illegal gun possession in 2010 after a .40-caliber semi-automatic gun was discovered in his vehicle during a traffic violation. One year later, he also plead guilty for failing to pay nearly $3 million in income taxes between 2004 and 2006.
“I in no way attempted to deceive the government or do anything illegal,” he told the judge, according to the AP. “I was a young man who made a lot of money – I’m getting a little choked up – I didn’t know how to deal with these finances, and I didn’t have people to guide me, so I made mistakes.”
Ja Rule is included with a number of celebrities residing in New Jersey who have been prosecuted for failing to meet their tax law obligations, such as Lauryn Hill and, most recently, Mary J. Blige.
Why Every Business Should Conduct an Annual Insurance Coverage Review
Most New Jersey business owners purchase insurance policies, file them away, and assume they are protected if a claim arises. Without a regular insurance coverage review, many companies discover gaps only after a lawsuit, cyberattack, property loss, or other significant event occurs. An annual insurance coverage review can help businesses identify potential risks, ensure their […]
Demand Letters & Cease and Desist Letters: When to Send One (and When Not To)
Businesses and individuals often encounter situations where another party breaches a contract, fails to pay a debt, or continues harmful conduct. In many such disputes, a precisely drafted demand letter or cease-and-desist letter serves as a powerful legal tool. It can frequently resolve the dispute and avoid litigation. While demand or cease-and-desist letters can resolve […]
Key provisions in your contracts, including those relating to indemnification, insurance, and defense, are essential to contract risk management. While sometimes considered “boilerplate,” these provisions play a pivotal role when determining which party is responsible for certain costs and liabilities. They must always be negotiated and drafted carefully. Indemnification Clauses Businesses should never overlook the […]
Portability of estate and gift tax enables a surviving spouse to inherit any unused portion of their deceased spouse’s federal estate and gift tax exemption. So, if one spouse doesn’t utilize their full exemption, the surviving spouse can effectively double their exemption amount with regard to estate tax liability. For married couples, portability offers a […]
Pet Trusts in New Jersey and New York: A Practical Estate Planning Tool
For many of us, pets are more than companions—they are members of the family. Yet they are often overlooked or inadequately provided for when it comes to estate planning. A pet trust offers a legally enforceable way to ensure that your animal continues to receive proper care if you become incapacitated or pass away. As […]
For many New Jersey business owners, a closely held company represents decades of work, financial investment, and personal sacrifice. Trusts in business succession planning are one of the most effective tools for protecting that value, allowing founders to control how and when the business passes to the next generation while reducing the risk of disputes, […]
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.
Let`s get in touch!
Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!
