Disgraced actor Jussie Smollett will learn his fate today Thursday at the George N. Leighton criminal courthouse in Chicago. The 39-year-old former EMPIRE actor’s sentencing comes three months after a jury found him guilty of lying to Chicago police about being attacked by two Trump supporters following his eight-day trial in December.
Smollett was found guilty and charged with five counts of felony disorderly conduct and acquitted of a sixth charge. He is facing up to three years in jail. However, Judge James Linn will decide if the actor gets any time at all.
Nevertheless, legal experts have predicted, based on the actor’s clean criminal record and the non-violent nature of the charges, that it’s unlikely Smollett will be given a prison sentence.
However, during his trial, Smollett vehemently maintained his innocence and at times defended himself when challenged. Smollett’s decision to maintain his innocence could weigh against him as Judge Linn ponders whether to give Smollett a conditional discharge, community service, probation or some time behind bars.