Rod Wave, born Rodarius Marcell Green, has become one of the most recognizable voices in modern hip-hop.
The 26-year-old St. Petersburg, Florida native has dominated the charts with his unique soul-trap sound, earning multiple No. 1 albums and platinum singles.
Known for emotional hits like “Street Runner,” “Tombstone,” and his recent contribution to the “Sinners” soundtrack, Rod Wave has built a massive following through his melodic delivery and vulnerable lyrics.
However, the rapper’s rising career has been shadowed by occasional legal troubles over the years.
These prior encounters with the justice system can be legally significant for how current charges are handled. On May 20, 2025, Rod Wave surrendered to Georgia authorities on 14 serious charges from an April incident at his Milton home.
Why Rod Wave Was Arrested?
The events of April 21, 2025, ultimately led to the charges against the rapper.
Milton police responded to Rod Wave’s home after a 911 report described “a possible domestic disturbance,” but officers discovered the situation involved a previously unreported burglary and firearm discharge at the location.
According to police accounts, Rod Wave and associates were at the property following the discovered burglary when a verbal argument escalated.
The situation allegedly involved a Glock 20 semiautomatic pistol being fired multiple times, with reports suggesting 14 rounds were discharged, hitting luxury vehicles and property walls.
Key Evidence Found:
- Luxury vehicles with bullet holes
- Signs of forced entry and burglary
- Shell casings and firearm evidence
- Property damage from gunfire
Rod Wave’s attorneys strongly dispute the charges, maintaining his innocence in the April incident.
The Criminal Charges Against Rod Wave
Rod Wave was arrested in Georgia on 14 counts, including aggravated assault, possession of a firearm, and felony tampering with evidence.
Wave voluntarily surrendered to the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office on warrants and was released on $50,000 bond the same day, demonstrating that while the charges are serious, the court deemed him eligible for pretrial release.
Among the charges are pointing or aiming a gun at someone, criminal damage to property, reckless conduct, conspiracy to commit a felony, and obstruction of law officers.
Each of the alleged incidents took place on April 21, according to arrest records, linking all charges to the single incident at his Milton residence.
This isn’t Rod Wave’s first encounter with the legal system.
He was previously arrested in 2022 on domestic battery charges involving allegations of choking an ex-girlfriend, which were later dismissed, and in 2024 on weapon possession charges related to a gang-related shooting investigation, though he was released due to what appeared to be inaccurate information.
While these prior cases didn’t result in convictions, they demonstrate a pattern that prosecutors may reference during the current proceedings.
Legal Representation in Rod Wave’s Case
Rod Wave’s legal team has mounted a vigorous defense, fundamentally challenging the premise of the charges. His legal team, Drew Findling and Marissa Goldberg, swiftly pushed back on the allegations, characterizing their client as a victim rather than a perpetrator.
Rod Wave’s attorney, Drew Findling, said,
“There is no truth to these charges. Rod Green was a victim of a burglary and committed no crimes. How he was even charged as a result of this situation is incomprehensible. This will absolutely be resolved favorably to Mr. Green.”
This defense strategy suggests they will argue that Rod Wave was responding to being victimized by burglary, rather than committing the alleged crimes.
The legal team’s confidence in their position indicates they may have evidence or legal arguments that challenge the prosecution’s case.
Given Rod Wave’s previous legal encounters that resulted in dismissed or dropped charges, his attorneys likely feel optimistic about achieving a similar outcome in this case.
What Happens Next in Rod Wave’s Case?
The case against Rod Wave is still in its early stages, with several procedural steps ahead. The legal process will begin with an arraignment where he’ll enter a plea, followed by discovery, where both sides share evidence and prepare their cases.
Potential Outcomes:
- Plea Agreement: Rod Wave could negotiate a plea deal with prosecutors
- Trial: If no agreement is reached, the case will proceed to trial
- Dismissal: Charges could be dismissed if the prosecution cannot meet legal standards
- Motion to Suppress: The defense might successfully exclude key evidence
No court dates have been announced yet, and the timeline depends on case complexity and legal strategies. While the legal process unfolds, these charges may impact Rod Wave’s future projects and touring plans.
The Bottom Line
Rod Wave’s arrest stems from serious criminal charges related to an April 2025 incident at his Georgia home.
While prosecutors have filed 14 counts, including aggravated assault and weapons charges, his defense team maintains he was the victim of a burglary rather than the perpetrator.
The case remains in early stages, with Rod Wave’s fate to be determined through the courts. Until the legal process concludes, the charges remain allegations, and the rapper maintains his presumption of innocence under the law.
What are your thoughts on Rod Wave’s legal situation? Do you think his defense team’s strategy will be effective? Share your opinions in the comments below.
