Rick Ross's Domestic Violence Charge Downgraded to Misdemeanor
The rapper's initial felony charge has been reduced, following his arrest in early October.
Rick Ross, the renowned rapper, found himself facing a significant legal challenge when he was initially charged with a felony for an act of domestic violence. However, recent developments have seen this charge downgraded to a misdemeanor, marking a notable shift in the case against him. This change in classification comes just weeks after his arrest on October 1st, which itself was a pivotal moment in the unfolding drama surrounding the rapper.
The original charge against Ross was reportedly for battery by strangulation, a serious accusation that could have led to a lengthy prison term if proven true. However, the nature of the charge has since been altered to simply battery or domestic violence, a less severe offense with a maximum sentence of one year in jail. This reduction in severity is likely to be a relief to the artist, who maintains his innocence and has the support of his legal team.
The alleged incident took place in August at what was described as Ross’s shared home with his then-girlfriend, Jazzma Kendrick. According to reports, Kendrick made public disclosures about the allegations via Instagram, providing visual evidence of her injuries on social media. However, these details are contested, with other sources suggesting that Kendrick did not share such information publicly.
The Miami-Dade state attorney's office played a crucial role in the decision to downgrade the charge, though there is some dispute over whether this was due to a lack of sufficient evidence. The exact timing of the legal change is also under scrutiny, with conflicting reports placing it either on October 29th or earlier.
In the immediate aftermath of the arrest, Ross posted bail of $1,000 and turned himself in to the Miami Beach Police, according to some accounts. However, other sources contradict this, indicating that the arraignment was scheduled for a different date and that the incident involved a different individual than Kendrick.
As the case progresses, all eyes will be on the outcome of the legal proceedings, with the possibility of a trial looming for the rapper. Despite the downgrading of the charge, the impact on Ross’s personal and professional life remains significant.
What we know
- - Rick Ross faced a domestic violence charge initially classified as a felony. 123
- - The charge against Rick Ross was changed from a felony to a misdemeanor. 123
- - The new charge is for battery/domestic violence. 123
- - Rick Ross was arrested on October 1st. 123
- - The maximum sentence for the new charge is one year in jail. 1
- - Ross posted bail of $1,000 after his arrest. 1
- - Ross's legal team stated he is innocent of the charges. 1
What remains unclear
- - Whether Jazzma Kendrick publicly disclosed the allegations via Instagram in late September. 1 23
- - If Kendrick provided visual evidence of her injuries on social media. 1 23
- - The exact date the legal change was announced. 1 23
- - Whether the Miami-Dade state attorney's office dropped the felony charge due to insufficient evidence. 2 13
Verification report
Partly unverified — probability of truth 49%, weighted across 24 claims from 3 independent outlets.
- confirmed Rick Ross faced a domestic violence charge initially classified as a felony. (93%)
- confirmed The charge against Rick Ross was changed from a felony to a misdemeanor. (93%)
- confirmed The new charge is for battery/domestic violence. (93%)
- confirmed Rick Ross was arrested on October 1st. (93%)
- likely The original felony charge was for battery by strangulation. (71%)
- likely The alleged incident occurred in August at Rick Ross's shared home with his then-girlfriend, Jazzma Kendrick. (71%)
- likely The maximum sentence for the new charge is one year in jail. (71%)
- likely Ross posted bail of $1,000 after his arrest. (71%)
- likely Ross's legal team stated he is innocent of the charges. (71%)
- disputed Jazzma Kendrick publicly disclosed the allegations via Instagram in late September. (29%)
- disputed Kendrick provided visual evidence of her injuries on social media. (29%)
- disputed The legal change was announced on October 29th. (29%)
- disputed The Miami-Dade state attorney's office decided to drop the felony charge due to insufficient evidence. (29%)
- disputed The incident occurred on 28 August, when a woman reported being struck multiple times and choked by Ross. (29%)
- disputed The woman reported that Ross slammed her into a wall during the incident. (29%)
- disputed Rick Ross turned himself in to Miami Beach Police to face domestic violence charges. (29%)
- disputed Prosecutors dropped a felony charge of battery by strangulation and misdemeanor battery. (29%)
- disputed Rick Ross now faces only one charge of misdemeanor battery/domestic violence. (29%)
- disputed The alleged incident occurred on August 28 at Roberts' home on Star Island. (29%)
- disputed An anonymous woman, believed to be Roberts' live-in girlfriend, reported being slapped, having her breathing restricted, and being hit against the wall. (29%)
- disputed Photographic evidence of injuries was provided to the police. (29%)
- disputed Miami Beach Police spokesman Christopher Bess stated that probable cause for the arrest was established. (29%)
- disputed The arraignment for Rick Ross is scheduled for Friday. (29%)
- disputed Jazzma Kendrick posted allegations on social media aligning with the claims against Roberts. (29%)
Sources
- Billboard — Rick Ross Gets Domestic Violence Charge Downgraded From Felony to Misdemeanor
https://www.billboard.com/pro/rick-ross-domestic-violence-charge-felony-misdemeanor/ - The Guardian US — Florida prosecutors drop felony charge against Rick Ross in domestic violence case
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/oct/30/rick-ross-felony-charge-dropped-domestic-violence - Rolling Stone Music — Prosecutors Won’t Pursue Felony Battery Charge Against Rick Ross
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/rick-ross-battery-charges-felony-misdemeanor-1235650321/