A Judge overseeing Corey "C-Murder" Miller’s case has
ruled that the rapper can be photographed, but not interviewed to promote his
latest album. Judge Martha Sassone of Louisiana’s State District Court, told Miller,
who is presently on house arrest, that interviews would violate a gag order enforced
to make sure the case doesn’t receive publicity before the trial. "I guess
the music will have to speak for itself," Sassone reportedly told Miller.
"Capitol Records will have to find another way to advertise it."

Miller was ordered to stay in his residence in Kenner, LA until his trial begins
in February 2007. Miller is accused of killing Steve Thomas back on January
12, 2002 at a night club in Harvey, LA. The venue is now closed. Miller was
convicted of second-degree murder, but a judge overturned his murder conviction
and accepted his request for a new trial earlier this year. Miller was put under
house arrest as a condition of his $500,000 bail.

On Monday, Miller’s lawyer, Ron Rakosky, asked Judge Sassone for permission
to promote C-Murder’s latest CD. The title was not mentioned. Rakosky shared
that Miller relies on his music to pay for his legal fees, provide for his children
and renovate his grandmother’s home, which got flooded during Hurricane Katrina.

On the other hand, Assistant District Attorney Roger Jordan countered that
Sassone only let Miller out on bond so he could prepare for his trial. Miller
is also asking for the trial to change location due to pre-trial reports regarding
the case. Jordan argued that video, photographs and interviews that come with
an album’s promotion would only increase the trial’s light and that Thomas’
family and the community would likely think it’s inappropriate.

Sassone said she would grant Miller permission to take photos as long as they’re
taken in his home, that Rakosky is present and that she is notified of the photographer’s
name in advance. Though Miller is presently ordered to stay inside his house,
Sassone allowed him to stay in his backyard to play with his kids. "I would
like for him to spend time with his kids," Sassone said.