What Did Lil Boosie Get Charged With?
Torrence “Lil Boosie” Hatch Jr., better known today as Boosie Badazz, has long captivated both hip-hop fans and media alike—not only with his gritty lyrics and unmatched hustler spirit, but also through his relentless run-ins with the law.
Boosie Badazz: Best Rapper Alive
From drug and weapon charges to a murder indictment and more recent firearm cases, Boosie’s legal journey has arguably become as prominent as his musical legacy.
Understanding the charges he faced provides insight into how personal adversity shapes an artist’s narrative, career trajectory, and public identity.
This article will explore, in exhaustive detail, every major legal case Lil Boosie has faced—from initial arrests to trial outcomes to recent plea decisions. Let’s break it all down.
What Did Lil Boosie Get Charged With?
Early Legal Issues: 2008–2012
2008 Arrest—Narcotics and Gun Possession
On October 22, 2008, East Baton Rouge deputies discovered marijuana and a Glock in Boosie’s vehicle. He pled guilty to third-offense marijuana possession on September 22, 2009 and received a two-year sentence. His probation violation led a judge to double the sentence just weeks later.WikipediaBriefly
2010 Indictment—First-Degree Murder & Drug Conspiracy
On June 17, 2010, Boosie was indicted on the extremely serious charge of first-degree murder in the shooting death of Terry Boyd. Additionally, he faced multiple counts related to narcotics: possession with intent to distribute codeine, cocaine, marijuana; several conspiracy to distribute, and contraband-in-prison charges.WikipediaBluesky Social
He pled not guilty and was later acquitted of murder—the jury delivered a unanimous verdict in under ten minutes.WikipediaBriefly
2011 Drug Conviction & 2012 Acquittal
Boosie pled guilty in November 2011 to those drug-related charges and was sentenced to eight years in prison.WikipediaBluesky Social
In 2012, his defense contended the drug ring charge was a setup—a scenario where an informant offered codeine syrup in exchange for cooperation. Boosie was released on March 5, 2014, remaining on parole until 2018.WikipediaBluesky Social
Georgia 2019: Drug & Weapon Stop
April 2019 Traffic Stop & Arrest
On April 8, 2019, in Coweta County, Georgia, law enforcement pulled over Boosie’s white Dodge Charger after it was seen swerving. Officers smelled marijuana and found approximately 11 grams of marijuana, a loaded 9 mm handgun, $20,000 in cash, and a vape pen with suspected THC oil.PitchforkRap-UpComplex
Boosie was charged with:
-
Possession of marijuana
-
Possession of Schedule I narcotics
-
Possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime
Plea Deal and Outcome
By early February 2020, Boosie accepted a plea deal. He pled guilty to the misdemeanor marijuana possession charge; other charges—including guns and traffic violation—were dropped. He received six months probation and paid a $1,000 fine, with no jail time.PitchforkThe FADER
The San Diego Case: 2023–2025
2023 Gun Charge Arrests in San Diego
In May 2023, during a traffic stop in San Diego stemming from an Instagram Live showing him with a gun, Boosie was arrested. Police found two loaded handguns in the vehicle.ABC 10 News San Diego KGTVHotNewHipHopBleuMag
He faced state firearm charges, which were quickly dismissed. However, federal authorities promptly re-indicted him for unlawful firearm possession as a convicted felon.thesource.comHotNewHipHopBleuMag
Constitutional Dismissal & Re-Indictment
A July 2024 ruling cited a federal precedent invalidating the felon-in-possession statute for nonviolent felons under the Second Amendment. Boosie was the first beneficiary of this dismissal.thesource.com
Yet, prosecutors responded quickly with new federal charges—including:
-
Felon in possession of firearm via interstate commerce
-
Possession of firearm while using controlled substancesthesource.com
Plea Deal in 2025
In August 2025, Boosie accepted a government plea deal, formally resolving the federal firearms case—a surprising turn in a prolonged legal saga.Rolling Out
Summary Timeline
| Period | Charges | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 2008–2009 | Marijuana possession & firearm possession | Plea, 2-year sentence (doubled) |
| 2010 | Murder indictment + drug, conspiracy, contraband charges | Acquitted of murder, later pleaded guilty to drug charges |
| 2011–2014 | Drug smuggling | 8-year sentence; released 2014 |
| 2019 | Drug and gun charges in Georgia | Plea deal: probation + $1,000 fine |
| 2023–2024 | Federal firearm possession charges in San Diego | Dismissal via constitutional ruling; re-indicted federally |
| 2025 | New federal charges resolved via plea deal | Legal resolution reached |
What Did Lil Boosie Get Charged With FAQs
-
What were the earliest charges Lil Boosie faced?
In 2008, he was arrested for marijuana and handgun possession—a third-offense pot case that led to prison time.WikipediaBriefly -
Was Boosie ever charged with murder?
Yes—in June 2010, he was indicted for the first-degree murder of Terry Boyd, but he was acquitted within minutes of jury deliberation.WikipediaBriefly -
What was the 2011 conviction about?
He pled guilty to drug-related charges, including smuggling into prisons, and was sentenced to eight years, serving until 2014.WikipediaBluesky Social -
What happened in the 2019 Georgia arrest?
Boosie was pulled over for swerving. Police found marijuana, a gun, and cash inside the car. He pled guilty to misdemeanor marijuana possession and avoided jail with probation and a fine.Pitchfork+1 -
Why were the 2023 San Diego charges dismissed?
A court ruled the felon-in-possession statute unconstitutional for nonviolent felons—Boosie benefited from this precedent breach, causing initial charges to be dismissed.thesource.com -
What followed the dismissal of those charges?
Federal prosecutors refiled with new charges, such as possession via interstate commerce and possession while using controlled substances.thesource.com -
How did the legal saga conclude in 2025?
In August 2025, Boosie accepted a federal plea deal, officially resolving the firearms case in court.Rolling Out
Conclusion
Lil Boosie’s legal history is a testament to the tumultuous intersection of fame, systemic law enforcement, and personal struggle. From early drug and weapon charges to a murder indictment, repeated convictions, and a prolonged federal firearm saga, his journey reflects both adversity and resilience.
Despite the severity, Boosie has navigated plea deals, judicial dismissals, and parole, ultimately emerging with his career still intact.
His story underscores how legal challenges can both derail and define public figures. Curious to dive deeper into any specific case or explore how these legal battles influenced his music and legacy? Let’s connect over the details—you might just uncover a new chapter in hip‑hop history.