Suge Knight's Attorney Maintains Client's Innocence

07/07/2003 4:00 PM, Yahoo! Music
LAUNCH Radio Networks

(7/7/03, 4 p.m. ET) -- An attorney for Marion "Suge" Knight says she has at least eight witnesses who confirm that her client did not assault a parking attendant late last month. The rap mogul--whose criminal activities have gathered more press lately than his career--was arrested recently for a June 21 incident in which it was alleged that Knight became annoyed with the way a valet had parked his vehicle outside of the White Lotus Club in Los Angeles and shoved the man.

Knight's lawyer, Rose Kogeman, said that she has statements from eight bystanders who say that an unidentified man was the perpetrator.

Kogeman said on Wednesday (July 2), "Unfortunately for Mr. Knight, it appears that he was arrested prior to a full investigation of the allegation."

Russ Heimerich, a spokesman for the Department Of Corrections, explained to the Associated Press why Knight was arrested. "If we have reasonable suspicions that someone violated parole, we'll take them back into custody and let the Board Of Prison Terms adjudicate," Heimerich said.

A hearing will be held by California Board Of Prison Terms within 30 days to determine if Knight violated his parole. At that hearing, the witnesses' statements will be considered. The board will then decide whether Knight has violated his parole.

Knight spent 61 days in jail after an arrest last December for violating the terms of his parole by associating with gang members and not informing authorities of a change of address.

Knight is presently working on his autobiography, American Dream Or America's Knightmare.