As Sean "Diddy" Combs remains incarcerated after his partial acquittal on federal charges, a virtual hearing is set to take place at 2 p.m. Tuesday to discuss an accelerated sentencing schedule. Both Combs' defense attorneys and federal prosecutors have agreed on a potential sentencing hearing date of September 22, as reported by ABC 7 New York; however, Judge Arun Subramanian initially proposed October 3, as the sentencing date. Combs is facing up to two decades behind bars after being convicted on two counts.
The defense is pushing for a rushed sentence due to "exceptional circumstances," including the 2018 death of Combs' partner, Kim Porter, which left their children without a parent, according to a letter filed with the court reported by ABC 7 New York. Nevertheless, federal prosecutors remain steadfast, with prosecutor Maurene Comey characterizing Combs as possessing wealth and a history of violence, which should be considered in the sentencing.
Famed OJ Simpson defense attorney Robert Shapiro speculated in an interview with Fox News Digital that Diddy could face a prison range of 2.5 to 3.5 years based on guidelines, but also warned that the judge might signal a lengthier sentence. Shapiro pointed out that the denial of bail by Judge Subramanian, who referred to a 2016 incident involving Combs and former girlfriend Cassie Ventura, could indicate a more substantial sentence, as reported by the New York Post.
Despite the expectations set by sentencing guidelines, celebrity lawyer David Chesnoff noted that Judge Subramanian could opt for a variance, which allows for additional factors to be considered at sentencing, in his interview with Fox News Digital. Chesnoff suggested that while the guidelines imply a short sentence, the judge's refusal to grant bail post-verdict implies a view that Diddy is "deserving of punishment". Diddy's defense team has committed to the fight, with his lead counsel, Marc Agnifilo, proclaiming outside the courthouse, "We are not nearly done fighting. We are just getting started. We're going to win, and we're not going to stop until he walks out of prison a free man to his family," the New York Post reported.
