Bill Cosby's accusers were happy to hear the verdict last Thursday that the 80-year-old comedian and television legend was found guilty on three counts of aggravated indecent assault. They were ecstatic to hear that he could spend 30 years in prison. Just days after the guilty verdict was rendered, CNN reported on Sunday that legal experts said Cosby might not spend any time in jail.
An appeal
Cosby's defense team is planning to appeal the guilty verdict based on the grounds that allowing five accusers to testify might have unfairly prejudiced the jury on issues unrelated to the charges.
Instead of jail time, Attorney Tom Mesereau might ask the court if Cosby could be confined to his Pennsylvania home during the appeal process which could take months or even years, according to CNN legal analyst Joey Jackson. As of now, Cosby and his legal team are confident that Montgomery County Judge Steven T. O'Neill will rule on home confinement.
The bail
Judge O'Neill who oversaw the case gave reasons he is not going to revoke Cosby's $1 million bail and send him to jail right away.
He cited Cosby's age and his consistency to appear at every hearing over the last two and a half years. He also mentioned that the bail was very high.
What the legal experts are concluding
Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele indicated he would not press for a 30-year sentence. Legal analyst Areva Martin speculates that the judge might give Cosby a much-reduced sentence. She based her conclusion on the fact that the judge let Cosby walk out the courtroom on the same day of the verdict. Like others, she noted his age and his poor health. She added a couple of other things that might impact the judge's sentence.
While dozens of women came forward collectively to accuse Cosby, Martin noted that it was his first criminal conviction.
Also, the amount of philanthropic work the comedian has done over many years might have an impact on what his sentence will be.
What Cosby can and cannot do
For the time being, Cosby cannot leave his Pennsylvania home except for medical appointments. He has to wear a GPS monitoring device at all times.
Some women who testified that they were assaulted want Cosby to spend time in prison instead of home confinement. In fact, they want him to spend the rest of his life in prison. The hearing for the sentencing has not been scheduled. When it is scheduled and if the judge gives him the maximum sentence of 30 years, Cosby will be 110 years old when he is released. Is that likely to happen?