The Jussie Smollett trial might see its final verdict in the next hearing. The famous actor from “Empire” has been accused of allegedly faking a hate crime in January 2019.
Jussie Smollett is allegedly accused of lying to the police about “being the victim of a racist and homophobic assault in Chicago”. He has been charged with a “felony disorderly conduct.”
According to the legal experts, it is very likely that he will be convicted for his crime due to the presence of very strong evidence against him.
A class felony is likely to be given to Smollett which means he might end up for about 3 years in jail. However, the experts say that if Jussie Smollett is convicted then most likely he will be placed on probation and would be asked to perform different community services.
Former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani, who is not part of this case, suggested that all the odds are piled up against the 39 years old actor. “[The prosecution] has a really strong case,” said the prosecutor after he heard the pieces of evidence against Smollett in which he exchanges texts and calls with his “alleged hired attackers”.
The attackers – Olabinjo and Abimbola Osundairo, stated that Jussie Smollett paid $3500 to pose and attack him.
“The prosecution is strong because of corroborating, independent evidence that is consistent with Smollett making a false police report,” Rahmani explained. “What type of explanation can Smollett’s attorney have to justify him contacting the brothers?”
Rahmani admitted he “expects a guilty verdict” and thinks Smollett is “someone who doesn’t deserve any type of break.” In fact, the legal expert believes the trial only “brings more attention to Smollett’s misconduct”.
The two attackers who are brothers as well testified earlier that the actor paid them to pose as attackers so that his profile can grow publicly.
Silva Megerditchian, a criminal defense attorney based in LA stated, “Smollett is facing 6 counts of essentially minor class 4 felonies that carry a maximum sentence of three years in State prison. If the jury finds him guilty of any of the charges, it is unlikely Smollett will serve any prison time.”
