Jussie Smollett loses conviction appeal

An Illinois appeals court has upheld actor Jussie Smollett’s disorderly conduct convictions.

The decision comes after Smollett sought a new trial.

Jussie Smollett may appeal with the Illinois Supreme Court.

With an Appeals Court in Illinois upholding the lower court’s conviction, Smollett will likely return to prison to serve his 150-day sentence unless the Illinois Supreme Court rules in his favor.

Smollett sought an appeal arguing prosecutors violated his due process rights. He asserted he was subjected to double jeopardy and a sentence that was too excessive, among other things. A part of the appeal was a new trial.

Alleged incident in Chicago

Smollett was found guilty in December 2021 of five out of six felony counts of disorderly conduct for making a false report to police.

He was sentenced in March 2022 to 30 months of felony probation, including 150 days in jail, and ordered to pay restitution of more than $120,000 and a fine of $25,000 for making false reports to police.

Smollett was released from jail a few days later after an Illinois appeals court granted an emergency motion by his attorneys to delay his sentence and grant him bail until their appeal is resolved.