Lawyers for Sean “Diddy” Combs argued on Monday that the artist has been punished enough and urged a New York federal judge to sentence him to no more than 14 months in jail for his
In court papers reviewed by The Associated Press, defense lawyers portrayed the music mogul as reformed. They said he is “a humbled man who understands that the most important things in life are his devotion to and quality time with his family and his contributions for the benefit of others.”
Lawyers also said he began teaching other inmates essential skills in business management, entrepreneurship and personal development.
If Judge Arun Subramanian accepts the recommendation, it would mean Diddy would be free less than two months after sentencing on Oct. 3, since he has already spent more than a year in a Brooklyn jail.
The Bad Boy Records founder was exonerated on more serious racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges that would have required a minimum of 15 years in prison and the possibility of a life sentence.
Comb’s lawyers also argued that his career and reputation have been destroyed.
“His life outside of jail has been systematically dismantled,” they wrote.
His seven children, they said, have faced “devastating consequences,” including lost business opportunities in acting, television, fashion and concerts, with some of them being included in some of the nearly 100 civil lawsuits filed against Combs since his arrest.
Prosecutors said they will urge Combs to stay imprisoned for much longer than the four to five years they originally thought.
In August, prosecutors stated that Combs had from the court.
In , Combs’ lawyers have argued that Combs’ conviction under the Mann Act, known as the White-Slave Traffic Act, which makes it illegal to transport people across state or international lines for the purpose of prostitution, should be overturned.
Each Mann Act charge has a penalty of 10 years, potentially putting Combs behind bars for up to 20 years.
“To our knowledge, Mr. Combs is the only person ever convicted of violating the statute for conduct anything like this,” the filing states.
His lawyers have continuously argued throughout the case that the sexual encounters referred to as “freak offs” or “hotel nights” were consensual and that Combs had no financial motive.
Combs has been denied bail after asking to be released on a . His lawyer argued that the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn is dangerous, adding that others convicted of similar prostitution-related offenses were usually released before sentencing.
The judge said Combs had not met the burden of showing by clear and convincing evidence a “lack of danger to any person or the community.”