Diddy sentencing explained: Charges, Mann Act law, prison time

NEW YORK - Judge Arun Subramanian acknowledged that Sean "Diddy" Combs is a self-made artist who inspired communities, gave to charity and showed devotion to his family. 

But he said "a history of good works can’t wash away the record in this case," pointing to evidence that Diddy abused women he claimed to love. 

He then sentenced Diddy to 50 months of incarceration, or just over four years in prison. He also imposed a fine of $500,000, the maximum possible.

In closing, Judge Subramanian praised the "strong women" who came to testify about "horrific stories." The judge said, "To Ms. Ventura and the other brave survivors that came forward, I want to say first: We heard you."

According to the Associated Press, since Diddy has already served one year in prison, he will likely serve about another three years.

What was Diddy charged of?

While the jury cleared him of the most serious charges, including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking, Diddy was convicted on two counts of violating the federal Mann Act, a century-old law that criminalizes transporting someone across state lines for illegal sexual activity. 

Each count carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

SKIP TO: How much time is Diddy facing?

What is ‘hubris’?

In the Diddy case, prosecutors used the word "hubris" to describe what they saw as his arrogance in booking a Miami speaking gig before sentencing, as if he had already assumed he would be free. Hubris, they suggested, was Diddy acting with overconfidence and disregard for the seriousness of his conviction.

What is the Mann Act?

In short:

The Mann Act is a federal law that makes it a crime to transport someone across state lines for illegal sexual activity. The maximum penalty for violating the Mann Act is 10 years in prison and a fine.

Dig deeper:

The federal anti-sex trafficking law has a controversial, century-old history, according to The Associated Press. 

The backstory:

In 1910, Congress passed the bill, which was named after Republican U.S. Rep. James Robert Mann of Illinois. It’s also known as the "White-Slave Traffic Act" of 1910.

The 1910 law originally prohibited the interstate or foreign commerce transport of "any woman or girl for the purpose of prostitution or debauchery, or for any other immoral purpose."

Legal experts say its broad wording and a subsequent Supreme Court interpretation allowed prosecutors to bring cases against interracial couples, and eventually many others in consensual relationships.

Timeline:

In a 1917 Supreme Court case, the justices ruled that "illicit fornication," even when consensual, amounted to an immoral purpose," according to Cornell’s Legal Information Institute.

A 1986 update made the law gender-neutral and effectively ended the Act’s role in trying to legislate morality by changing "debauchery" and "immoral purpose" to "any sexual activity for which any person can be charged with a criminal offense."

Diddy guilty charges

Big picture view:

Diddy was convicted of flying people around the country, including his girlfriends and paid male sex workers, to engage in sexual encounters, a felony violation of the federal Mann Act.

RELATED: Live Diddy verdict: Guilty on counts 3, 5; not guilty on the rest

Dig deeper:

Diddy was found guilty on two counts of transportation for prostitution – one count relating to ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, who testified, and one count relating to an unnamed woman known as "Jane" throughout the trial. The second Mann Act charge was filed on April 3. 

How much time is Diddy facing?

By the numbers:

The judge could issue concurrent sentences for each guilty count, meaning that Combs could serve his sentence for each count at the same time, which would carry a maximum 10 year sentence.

Diddy could also be sentenced for each count separately, which would carry a maximum sentence of 20 years.

Federal prosecutors are urging Judge Arun Subramanian to impose at least 11 years and three months, calling Diddy a danger who has shown little accountability for his actions.

His lawyers, meanwhile, are asking for no more than 14 months, which would mean his release almost immediately. 

Diddy not guilty

Big picture view:

The jury acquitted him of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges, which were related to allegations that he forced girlfriends into hundreds of drug-fueled sex marathons with other men. His lawyers said the women were willing participants.

Diddy Trial