JA RULE - LIL' WAYNE AND JA RULE RELEASED FROM JAIL, PROTEST INNOCENCE

LATEST: Rappers LIL' WAYNE and JA RULE have been released on bail following their separate weekend arrests in New York on weapons charges. Lil' Wayne - real name Dwayne Michael Carter Jr - was arrested in Manhattan shortly after his performance at the Beacon Theater on Sunday night (22Jul07). Police claim Carter was found carrying a .40 calibre pistol after he was stopped for smoking marijuana, while another associate was found attempting to flush 0.5 pounds (227 grams) of the drug down the toilet. Carter was released on Monday (23Jul07) on $70,000 (GBP35,000) bond. Meanwhile, the Always On Time star - real name Jeffrey Atkins - and two associates were arrested in Manhattan on Sunday for speeding, and a search of their vehicle uncovered a .40 calibre pistol. He was charged with gun possession and released on $150,000 (GBP75,000) bond on Monday, using his mansion in Saddle Brook, New Jersey, as collateral for the $320,000 (GBP160,000) combined bail for he and his two associates. After his release, Atkins told reporters: "Everybody wants to point fingers at hip-hop for the destruction of America's youth. If you need to know why there is so much crime, corruption, hatred and violence, you need only look at yourselves." Lawyer Stacey Richman, who represented both hip-hop stars, claims her clients are innocent and were punished with higher bail bonds because of their celebrity status. She tells SOHH.com, "We absolutely maintain that we are not guilty of these charges." The two Universal artists could each be sentenced for up to three-and-a-half years behind bars if they are found guilty of the weapons offences. They are due back in court on Friday (27Jul07).