In the ongoing legal saga surrounding actor Jussie Smollett’s fake attack case, a recent development has seen the Illinois appeals court uphold his conviction, leading to a 150-day jail sentence. However, Smollett’s immediate incarceration is far from certain as he plans to pursue further legal avenues.
While the appeals court ruled against Smollett by a 2-1 vote, he has announced his intention to file a petition with the Illinois Supreme Court to review his case. The discretionary nature of the High Court’s decision means that, during this process, Smollett will not be required to return to jail.
The timeline for these legal maneuvers indicates that Smollett has 35 days to submit his appeal to the Illinois Supreme Court. Typically taking around two months for the court to decide whether to hear a case, if the petition is rejected, Smollett could find himself back in jail by late February or March.
However, if the Illinois Supreme Court grants the appeal, the subsequent legal proceedings could extend for approximately a year. Throughout this period, Smollett would remain free. Therefore, if the Supreme Court upholds the verdict, the actor might not face incarceration until mid-2025, effectively allowing him to potentially avoid jail for three and a half years after his initial conviction.
As the wheels of justice continue to turn slowly, Jussie Smollett’s legal fate remains uncertain, with the possibility of further delays in his journey through the legal system.
Written by:
Dana Sterling-Editor
