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DALLAS AUSTIN PLEADS GUILTY TO COCAINE CHARGES: Producer faces four years in prison during sentencing Tuesday.
*Atlanta-based producer Dallas Austin has pleaded guilty to cocaine possession in the United Arab Emirates, but claims he was unaware that his actions had violated laws of the country.
"I'm pleading guilty but by mistake," Austin was quoted as saying during a short hearing in Dubai on Sunday. "I had no knowledge and no intention of violating the laws of the U.A.E."
The Grammy-winning producer, who has worked with such artists as TLC, Madonna and Michael Jackson, is facing up to four years in prison when he returns to court tomorrow (July 4) for sentencing.
Austin was arrested May 19 at Dubai’s airport while on his way to Naomi Campbell’s three-day birthday party. He was charged with cocaine possession and has been in custody at a police station without bail ever since.
The Khaleej Times reports that upon his arrival at Dubai Airport, Austin was stopped by a customs official who suspected him. After being subjected to a personal search, the official found a tablet and a piece of paper in his pocket which listed drug substances. After searching his travel bag, the official found 1.26 grammes of cocaine.
The newspaper said four attorneys accompanied Austin to the hearing: Mohammad al-Reda of the United Arab Emirates, Qays Hatem al-Zu'bi of Bahrain, Joel A. Katz of Atlanta and another American lawyer who declined to give his name.
"The court will consider the profession of the accused and verify whether he carried the same for personal use or for trafficking, said Advocate Shamsudheen Karunagappally of Al Kabban Advocates. "If the court finds the accused possessed the drugs for personal use, he could get the minimum sentence of four years."
On Austin's chances of being pardoned, Shamsudheen told the Khaleej Times: "The accused can submit the pardon appeal only after the court announces the judgment. The pardon plea should be recommended by the missions of the country from which the accused hails and should be produced before the Ruler's Court. The court will consider the plea and deport the accused. There is a provision for the Rulers of the country to use their discretionary power to release the accused. Normally, the Rulers exercise it only in special cases," Shamsudheen added. Al Zu'bi, the Bahraini solicitor for Dallas in the Dubai court said: "We are exploring all possible ways to get Dallas released from jail."
