Judge tells Chief Keef attorney to settle or go to trial
A Lake County judge warned the attorney for Chief Keef that the rap star has one more chance to reach a negotiated settlement with prosecutors over a misdemeanor driving under the influence of drugs charge or the case goes to trial.
Judge Veronica O'Malley explained that Aug. 22 would be the last court date the two sides would be allowed to present a negotiated settlement in the case against Keef - whose real name is Keith Cozart, 18, of Northfield.
Cozart faces a potential sentence of one year in jail after being arrested by Highland Park police March 6. He remains free from custody after posting the required 10 percent of his $3,000 bond.
Cozart was not in the courtroom during Friday's hearing. Attorney Leah Starkman said the emerging rap star was in California preparing for an upcoming music tour. A special bond to condition was granted previously to Cozart to allow him to fly out of state as needed for work.
Starkman said previously Cozart believes "he is being unfairly targeted" by police in North Shore suburbs because of his notoriety.
Starkman told O'Malley she hopes to present a negotiated settlement during the next court date.