While R. Kelly is facing 30 years in prison, the star could be facing a much longer sentence than that — due to other charges he faces in Illinois and Minnesota, per NPR. That is why when Kelly had the opportunity to speak during the sentencing, he and his attorneys declined to do so.
That was the right decision according to Joshua Ritter, a defense attorney and former Los Angeles prosecutor. Ritter explained that with two pending cases, while staying silent keeps Kelly clear of admitting to guilt, fighting the cases could prove to be more hassle than it’s worth. “He should negotiate plea agreements to try to obtain prison sentences that would run concurrent with what he already has received,” Ritter said. “A sound strategy at this point might be for R. Kelly to acknowledge that the government is playing with house money, that the evidence against him is strong.”
But not only are the odds against Kelly, Ritter said, with two more cases, Ritter believes Kelly and his attorney need to be realistic about how much more they want to fight — something Ritter’s unsure on what they will do. What’s for sure though is, “This 30-year sentence certainly isn’t the end of his legal problems,” according to Ritter. With Ghislaine Maxwell also sentenced this week, Ritter said, the courts are laying down the law that “they’re not going to tolerate celebrities and people in power who exploit others.”
Nicki
