Diddy Lawyers Push for 14-Month Term After Conviction Drama

The rap mogul’s legal team is making their case that he should serve only 14 months in federal prison after his July 2025 conviction on two counts of transporting individuals for prostitution under the Mann Act. He was acquitted of the heavier charges — sex trafficking and racketeering — which had painted him as a mastermind of abuse.

As part of their push, his defense claims Combs has already spent nearly 13 months in custody since his arrest in September 2024 — arguing that amount of time behind bars, coupled with mandatory drug treatment, therapy, and supervised release, would be enough punishment. They tell the court his reputation is shattered, businesses are crumbled, and his family life has been deeply impacted. 

What Prosecutors Want & What’s at Stake

But prosecutors aren’t buying the leniency. They argue that the Mann Act violations, combined with Combs’ behavior during what the trial unveiled were drug-fueled “Freak Offs,” warrant a more substantial sentence. Federal guidelines point to a possible sentence of 4 to 5 years, depending on aggravating factors — especially coercion and abuse. 

The sentencing is scheduled for October 3, and ahead of that, Combs’ team is also pushing for “time served” credit — that is, counting the 13 months he has already been incarcerated toward any sentence imposed. If the judge agrees, Combs could walk free very soon after the sentence. 

Verdict Preview

This could go either way. If the judge grants Combs’ request, it’ll be seen as a win for his defense — weakening some of the public and legal tide against him. But if he gets a heavier sentence closer to what prosecutors believe is appropriate, it could trigger serious backlash to his appeal chances, endorsements, and public image. Whatever happens, this courtroom drama is far from over.