A federal judge in Los Angeles took Lil Durk's bond request under submission on November 4, ending a two hour hearing without a ruling on whether the rapper will be released from federal custody while he awaits his next trial.
United States District Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald heard arguments from both sides in the afternoon hearing, then told the courtroom he will review the filings before issuing a written decision. No date was given for the ruling.
Durk, whose legal name is Durk Banks, has been in federal custody since October 2024. He was acquitted in September on all five charges in his first federal murder for hire trial, but he still faces separate racketeering charges, with a second trial scheduled for August 2027.
His defense team presented what it called a robust bond package, built around support letters from Jay-Z and J. Cole, a guarantee from Sony Music of up to 1 million dollars on an appearance bond, and Durk's own future earnings, royalties and touring income put up as collateral. His mother's home was also offered as part of the package.
Federal prosecutors opposed release. Assistant United States Attorney Daniel Weiner told the judge it is too risky to release Durk, arguing that he remains a danger to witnesses and that the package does not guarantee he will appear for future court dates. Prosecutors also raised concerns about contraband phones and unauthorized calls during his time in custody.
The judge appeared torn during the hearing, noting that little has changed for Durk since his acquittal and that even an innocent person would be tempted to flee at this stage of a case. The hearing lasted from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM local time.
India Royale, Durk's partner, was in the courtroom for the hearing and shared an emotional goodbye with him afterward, according to reports from the day.
For now Durk stays in federal custody while the judge weighs the request. The ruling will decide whether he spends the coming months preparing for trial from home or behind bars.
