Sean Combs is scheduled to appear a federal judge in Manhattan on Friday to learn his fate after being guilty verdict this year on federal counts involving prostitution.
Court Verdict
Following the two-month court case which ended in this past July, the jury acquitted Combs of the gravest allegations of sex trade and racketeering. Jurors, though, convict him on a pair of offenses of transporting people for prostitution.
Judge Arun Subramanian now holds the responsibility of deciding the punishment. Proceedings are set to start at 10am eastern time.
Legal Context
Combs was accused of influencing two ex-partners into intimate meetings with substances that included paid companions. If found guilty on the gravest offenses could have resulted in a life sentence.
Upon his acquittal of those accusations, he allegedly fell to his knees in prayer. His lawyer commented that he had “received his life back”.
Likely Penalty
However, the convictions he did receive both carry a maximum of a decade in prison under the Mann Act, which bans crossing state lines to arrange commercial sex.
The government portray the actions as grave offenses, although the defense team has downplayed the counts as “secondary” charges that ought not to have advanced.
Recent Developments
It has been reported that he aims to talk personally to the court ahead of the judgment is delivered, despite never testifying throughout the trial.
Via a motion filed last week, his lawyers requested that he be allowed to show up in “regular clothes” at the proceeding, just as he had during the trial when he sported informal business attire.
“This court hearing is extremely important for Mr. Combs,” the letter said. “He wants to stand before the judge, make a statement, and allocate in the most dignified and dignified fashion possible.”
Proposed Penalties
Differing punishments are possible, as both prosecution and defense have offered suggestions following US sentencing guidelines, though the last word rests with the judge.
Federal attorneys is urging at least over 11 years behind bars – which equals over a decade – labeling Combs “unrepentant” and highlighting threats and aggression that witnesses recounted.
The defense team are seeking up to just over a year, which including credit for time served would permit Combs to be released by the conclusion of next year. Their position is that his punishment has already been enough for what they maintain was consensual sex with hired performers.
Sentencing officials, at the same time, calculated that the guideline range could reach up to 87 months.
