You'd think that a one year jail sentence at Riker's Island would be a safe place for Lil' Wayne to stay out of trouble with the law, but one pre-existing charge may cause some problems for the thug rap icon.

An Arizona judge issued a bench warrant on March 16 after the 27 year-old, whose real name is Dwayne Carter, failed to appear for a final trial management conference hearing on drug and weapon charges because he is serving jail time.

Maybe the judge doesn't watch TV or read the newspapers (or blogs). Lil' Wayne reported to serve a one year prison sentence in New York City last week.


The Grammy Award-winning MC's attorney, James Tilson, filed motions to have the March 30 trial date vacated.


He also asked to allow the New Orleans native to appear after he finishes his New York jail sentence and for the bond to remain the same.


"It does not appear that a trial will be occurring anytime within the next eight to 12 months," Tilson said.

But, prosecutor Deann Sandry has asked that the bench warrant be issued since Wayne is now a convicted felon. Sandry is also urging the court to increase his bond to $150,000.

These charges stem from a Jan. 2008 incident, where Lil' Wayne was arrested at a border checkpoint 78 miles east of Yuma, Arizona after authorities say they found cocaine, ecstasy and a handgun on his tour bus.


He has since pleaded not guilty to one count each of possession of a narcotic drug for sale, possession of dangerous drugs, misconduct involving weapons and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia.