Brian Steel crowned ‘real-life Saul Goodman’ after securing Young Thug’s release

Attorney Brian Steel, now unofficially crowned the “real life Saul Goodman” by fans, pulled off an impressive legal feat this Halloween, securing Atlanta rapper Young Thug’s release from jail after a dramatic plea change. 
 

Young Thug, whose real name is Jeffery Lamar Williams, had spent nearly two years entangled in Georgia’s infamous criminal trial. When he walked free on October 31, fans of both Steel and the rapper took to social media to celebrate, calling Steel a “legend” on X (formerly Twitter) and sharing images of the lawyer in action.
 

This high-stakes case, part of the YSL racketeering trial in Fulton County, saw Young Thug facing charges under Georgia’s RICO Act. On Halloween, a day full of twists, Superior Court Judge Paige Whitaker surprised everyone by questioning the plea’s terms since it lacked a preset sentence. 
 

After a quick recess, Young Thug agreed to plead guilty to drug and gun charges and no contest to conspiracy and gang-related charges. Judge Whitaker sentenced him to 40 years, commuting five years in prison to time served and adding 15 years of probation. With a potential 20 years hanging in the balance if he slips up on probation, Young Thug still has a lot riding on good behavior.

Steel, who advocated vigorously for his client, argued that prosecutors misinterpreted the rapper's lyrics as encouraging gang activity. “They are in a tunnel vision to try and convict a man who should not be convicted,” Steel contended, arguing that Young Thug’s music should be taken as art, not evidence.

Fans of Young Thug and courtroom dramas alike now have a new favorite defense attorney in Brian Steel, who, with his University of Michigan and Fordham Law degrees, is living up to his newly acquired “Saul Goodman” status, showing his legal prowess with a mix of skill and flair.