Weapon Charges: Lil Wayne Faces Ten Years In Jail After Pleading Guilty

US Rapper Dwayne Michael Carter, could spend up to ten years in prison after admitting that he owned a weapon.

Eko Hot Blog reports that Carter, who’s better known as Lil Wayne, pleaded guilty to a federal charge against him for possessing weapon despite being a convicted felon

He entered the plea during a hearing held remotely before US District Judge Kathleen Williams.

“Your honor, I plead guilty to the charge,” Carter told the judge.

Williams adjourned hearing to Jan. 28 when sentencing verdict will be given. The charge carries a maximum prison sentence of 10 years, but it’s likely Carter would get far less time than that. He’s free on $250,000 bail but had to surrender his passport.

Authorities said the 38-year-old rapper acknowledged possessing a .45 caliber, gold-plated handgun and six rounds of ammunition after his luggage was searched upon arriving in Miami on Dec. 23, 2019, from California. A search warrant said Carter told investigators the gun was a Father’s Day gift.

READ ALSO: Lil Wayne Charged With Gun Offense In Florida, Risk 10-Years Jail Term

The charge stems from a weapons conviction of Carter in New York more than a decade ago, for which he was sentenced to eight months in prison. Convicted felons are barred under federal law from possessing firearms.

Carter’s lawyer, Howard Srebnick, said he considered a motion to suppress the search of the plane as a violation of the rapper’s constitutional rights. Carter, he said, wanted to accept responsibility.

“I must say I thought it was a very viable motion. He has decided not to pursue a motion to suppress,” Srebnick said.

The Miami US attorney’s office also said in the news release that investigators found small amounts of cocaine, ecstasy, and oxycodone in a bag belonging to Carter, but he was not charged with any drug crime.

Lil Wayne has sold over 120 million records, won five Grammys and numerous other music awards. He owns a home in Miami Beach and is CEO of his own record label, Young Money Entertainment.