Rick Ross arrest: What his domestic violence charges mean as rapper faces October arraignment
Rick Ross is seen in his booking photo on October 1, 2026. Credit: Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department
Rapper and entrepreneur Rick Ross has been arrested in Miami, Florida, on domestic violence-related charges, putting the spotlight on a case that is now headed toward an October court hearing.
Ross, whose legal name is William Leonard Roberts, was booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center at 6:10 a.m. Thursday, according to information from the Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department.
The 50-year-old musician faces one count of battery by strangulation and one count of battery, with both charges connected to domestic violence. His bail was set at $5,000.
Ross has denied the allegations through his attorney, who said the rapper is being wrongfully accused and has pleaded not guilty.
Why Was Rick Ross Arrested?
The arrest follows allegations made by Ross’ former girlfriend, model and content creator Jazzma Kendrick.
Kendrick, 39, posted images on Instagram Stories on September 26 showing what appeared to be an injured lip. In one post, she wrote that she knew a man who put his hands on her was not someone who loved her. In another, she referred to the day she said Ross “busted” her lip and the day she left.
The allegations have not been established as facts in court.
According to Ross’ attorney, Steve Sadow, Kendrick did not file a police report until about a month after the alleged incident. Sadow argued that the delay and the circumstances surrounding the accusation raised questions about the claims.
Ross’ legal team has asked the public not to prejudge the case while the court process moves forward.
What Charges Does Rick Ross Face?
Ross faces two criminal counts in connection with the case: battery by strangulation and battery.
The charges are classified as domestic violence-related offenses. The distinction matters because the case is now a criminal proceeding rather than simply a dispute between former partners.
Ross has pleaded not guilty, meaning the allegations remain accusations and prosecutors will have to establish the case through the legal process.
His next major court date is scheduled for October 22, when he is expected to appear for arraignment in Miami, Florida.
What Happens at Rick Ross’ October 22 Arraignment?
An arraignment is generally an early stage of a criminal case in which a defendant is formally informed of the charges and enters a plea.
For Ross, the October 22 hearing will mark the next significant step after his arrest and booking.
The arraignment does not determine whether he is guilty or innocent. The case can continue through additional hearings and other legal proceedings depending on what happens in court.
The allegations, evidence and arguments from both sides can become more important as the case progresses.
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What Has Rick Ross’ Lawyer Said?
Ross’ attorney Steve Sadow has strongly disputed the allegations.
In a statement, Sadow said Ross is being wrongfully accused by an ex-girlfriend whose motivations, he argued, are unclear. He also pointed to the reported gap between the alleged incident and the filing of a police report.
The attorney said Ross is innocent and has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The statement also asked Ross’ friends, fans and the wider public to allow the judicial process to run its course rather than reaching conclusions before the case is resolved.
Kendrick did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Rick Ross Has Faced Legal Trouble Before
The Miami arrest is not the first time Ross has faced criminal charges.
In 2015, he was charged in Georgia with kidnapping, aggravated assault and aggravated battery over allegations involving a groundskeeper at his Atlanta estate.
Ross later pleaded no contest to one felony count of aggravated assault. He was sentenced to time served after spending about a week in jail and was ordered to pay a $10,000 fine.
That earlier case is separate from the current Miami domestic violence case.
Rick Ross’ Miami and Atlanta Connection
Ross has longstanding ties to Miami, where he owns a mansion on Star Island in Miami Beach.
The rapper also owns a large estate in Atlanta known as The Promise Land, reflecting his business interests and high-profile lifestyle outside music.
His career has extended well beyond recording. Ross became one of hip-hop’s prominent entrepreneurs after establishing Maybach Music Group and releasing commercially successful music including “Hustlin’.”
His business profile has helped make legal developments involving the rapper a subject of significant public attention.
What Happens Next in the Rick Ross Case?
The immediate focus is on the October 22 arraignment.
Until then, the case remains at an early stage. Ross has pleaded not guilty, while the allegations against him have yet to be proven in court.
The proceedings could provide more information about the accusations, evidence and legal arguments as the case develops.
For now, the most significant developments are the two domestic violence-related charges, the $5,000 bail and the scheduled arraignment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rick Ross’ Arrest
Why was Rick Ross arrested?
Rick Ross was arrested in Miami on charges of battery by strangulation and battery, both connected to domestic violence.
What is Rick Ross’ real name?
Rick Ross’ legal name is William Leonard Roberts.
How old is Rick Ross?
Rick Ross is 50 years old as of the reported October 1, 2026 arrest.
Who accused Rick Ross of domestic violence?
His former girlfriend, model and content creator Jazzma Kendrick, publicly accused him of physically assaulting her in posts shared on Instagram Stories.
Did Rick Ross plead guilty?
No. Ross pleaded not guilty to the charges, according to his attorney.
How much was Rick Ross’ bail?
His bail was set at $5,000 following his arrest.
What charges does Rick Ross face?
He faces one count of battery by strangulation and one count of battery, with both charges connected to domestic violence.
When is Rick Ross’ next court date?
Ross is scheduled for arraignment on October 22 in Miami, Florida.
Has Rick Ross been arrested before?
Yes. In 2015, he faced charges in Georgia involving allegations against a groundskeeper at his Atlanta estate. He later pleaded no contest to one felony count of aggravated assault.
Who is Jazzma Kendrick?
Jazzma Kendrick is a model and content creator who was previously in a relationship with Rick Ross and has publicly accused him of physical assault.
Has Rick Ross been convicted in the current case?
No. The current allegations have not been established in court, and Ross has pleaded not guilty.
What happens after Rick Ross’ arraignment?
The criminal case can proceed through further hearings and other legal stages. The next steps will depend on the court proceedings and decisions by the parties involved.