Sean “Diddy” Combs now faces up to 20 years in prison, following a jury’s mixed verdict in his racketeering trial.
However, his lawyers point out that advisory sentencing guidelines suggest a far shorter sentence. Thus, they argued in the wake of the Wednesday, July 2, verdict that he should be freed pending sentencing, although prosecutors have a very different view.
Combs’ lawyers are suggesting some restrictions; namely, his travel would be limited to just “parts of” four U.S. states, CNN reported.
Those states are Florida, New York, New Jersey, and California.
According to CNN, Combs has homes in Florida and California, and he may need to meet with lawyers and attend court in New York and New Jersey, which is why the latter two states made the list.
It will be up to the judge, and a hearing was scheduled for 5 p.m. ET on July 2.
Combs’ attorneys are proposing that he be released on $1 million bond, undergo drug testing, and surrender his passport.
Prosecutor Maurene Comey previously said she would ask the judge to sentence Combs to the maximum of 20 years, according to NBC News. Prosecutors also oppose Combs’ release on bail.
However, in a letter to the judge on July 2, prosecutors indicated the advisory “sentencing guidelines range from 51 to 63 months,” NBC News reported.
And Doug Wigdor, the attorney for prosecution witness Cassie Ventura, submitted a letter to the judge opposing Combs’ release on bail, according to CNN.
“Ms. Ventura believes that Mr. Combs is likely to pose a danger to the victims who testified in this case, including herself, as well as to the community,” Wigdor wrote in the letter.
Combs “fell to his knees in prayer” and told his family he loved them when the verdict came down. It’s widely regarded as a positive outcome for the rapper because he was acquitted of three charges that could have resulted in a life prison term, involving racketeering and sex trafficking offenses. He was convicted on two prostitution-related charges, including one relating to Ventura.
“Free Puff! Free Puff! Free Puff!” supporters shouted outside the courthouse.
