Young Thug's Probation Rules Prohibit Him From Staying in Atlanta Metro Area

Young Thug was released from jail on Thursday, Oct. 31 after he pleaded guilty in what turned into the longest trial in Georgia history. As part of his 15-year probation, he'll be prohibited from the Atlanta metro area.

As detailed by veteran reporter Meghann Cuniff, Thug will spend 20 years in prison if he does not complete his probation period. As expected of most individuals released on probation, he will subjected to random drug tests and searches of his property and self for "criminal street gang paraphernalia." But most crucially, he won't be permitted to travel to the metro Atlanta area for the next ten years with the exception of family funerals, graduations, weddings, or medical emergencies.

The conditions also prohibit him from contacting any alleged gang members or the other defendants included in the initial 65-count indictment. Of those named in the indictment is Gunna, who accepted a plea deal in December 2022. Fulton County Superior Court Judge Paige Reese Whitaker said that an exception will be made "as absolutely necessary to conduct the lawful business of your musical career."

Whitaker told Thug that he cannot promote "criminal street gang or any criminal street gang activity" on social media, which includes utilizing "any hand signs, terminology or language that promotes any criminal street gang." As a convicted felon, he can't possess firearms now, either.

Thug pleaded no contest to a racketeering conspiracy charge and one count of leading a street gang. He also pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a machine gun, one count of possession of a firearm during a felony, and three counts of violating Georgia's Controlled Substances Act. His sentence totals 40 years, including five in prison that was commuted to time served, 15 years on probation, and 20 years if he doesn't complete probation.

In court, Thug told Judge Whitaker that he acknowledged his lyrics "could be twisted" by listeners. “I understand what it could do to the minds of people. I understand all that. And I’m, I promise you, I’m 100 percent changing that, you know?" he said, noting that he's older now and has "more things to rap about." The prosecution was seeking 45 years, 25 of which would be served behind bars.