Is the verdict in the Sean “Diddy” Combs trial final, and can any of the involved sides appeal?
Although he escaped a potential life sentence, Combs was convicted of two prostitution charges in a New York court on Wednesday.
Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs faces up to 20 years in prison after being found guilty of prostitution charges in a criminal trial at a federal court in New York.
Combs escapes potential life term
On Wednesday, the rapper and record producer was convicted on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution - with each charge carrying a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
Prosecutors have said they will push for Combs to serve two full, decade-long terms back to back. “It is clear that the defendant does pose a danger,” prosecutor Maurene Comey said, per the BBC.
Combs gets off on most serious charges
Combs had faced the prospect of a life sentence had he been convicted of racketeering, the most serious charge levelled against him in his eight-week trial in the Big Apple.
But the 55-year-old was found not guilty of this offense on Wednesday, and was also acquitted of two counts of sex trafficking.
Combs’ lawyers petitioned the trial’s judge, Arun Subramanian, to release their client on bail until his sentencing. However, Judge Subramanian denied this request.
Can “Diddy” Combs appeal?
Yes, Combs can appeal after he has been sentenced. He can challenge his conviction and the sentence he receives.
Reuters’ Luc Cohen notes that Combs’ defense team “faces the high burden” of persuading the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that Judge Subramanian “made legal errors that impacted the jury’s verdict”.
Cohen adds that any challenge may well take a number of years to reach its conclusion.
Can the prosecution appeal?
Under the “double jeopardy” rule in the American constitution, prosecutors cannot launch an appeal against a not-guilty verdict in a criminal trial.
However, the U.S. government does have the right to appeal against the length of Combs’ sentence after it has been imposed by Judge Subramanian.
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Sean "Diddy" Combs guilty on two counts but acquitted of most serious charges
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