The federal criminal trial of rapper and music producer, Sean Combs, has wrapped up in Lower Manhattan, New York. Mr. Combs has been charged with Racketeering Conspiracy, Sex Trafficking by Force or Coercion, and Transportation to Engage in Prostitution. His accusers claim that he raped, trafficked and physically assaulted them multiple times over a ten year period. Mr. Combs has denied the allegations, and has stated that his accusers engaged consensual relations with him., and that his personal relationships are unrelated to his business enterprises. The federal prosecutors have painted Mr. Combs as a violent man, who used his status and power to victimize two former girlfriends, and to operate his business enterprises for criminal purposes. The defense has countered that the statements against him are part of a “money grab” by his accusers. If convicted of the charges, Mr. Combs faces the potential of decades in federal prison.
What is a Pre-Trial Conference in a Legal Case?
I have often found myself telling a client, "our next step in the process is to attend the pre-trial conference". The problem is that I never really explained what a pre-trial conference is, or what happens at a pre-trial conference. In plain English, a pre-trial...
