Project Pat And His Lawyers Fighting For A New Trial

NEW YORK (Project Pat Website) - Three 6 Mafia affiliate Project Pat is currently seeking a new trial on his two counts of possession of a firearm by a felon. The rapper was found guilty in March by a jury in Jackson, Tennessee, and in June he was sentenced to 51 months in jail for each count. The sentences were scheduled to run concurrently. Project Pat and his lawyers are attempting to get a new trial on the grounds that the jury and the judge were unfairly influenced by the rapper's lyrics during the trial and sentencing.

According to Project Pat's lawyer, John E. Herbison of Nashville, Judge Robert H. Cleland gave the rapper a stiffer sentence due to his lyrics and because the prosecution labeled him as a gangsta rapper.

Project Pat, who is currently incarcerated in Mason, Tennessee, will have to pay a $75.000 fine, and undergo three years of supervised release, and also complete the 51 months he is currently serving if his motion for a new trial is denied.

A new album from the rapper, titled Layin' Da Smack Down, is due out in November.--Yves Erwin Salomon, New York