Josh Duggar Child Porn Sentencing Trial Date Arrives May 25: Everything To Know

Josh Duggar, once known as the oldest son on TLC’s “19 Kids And Counting,” faces his sentencing trial for child pornography on May 25. The trial comes after months of pleas from Duggar and his legal team for leniency. But as prosecutors built up the evidence against Josh, some wonder if he can escape. 

However, Josh’s guilty verdicts for possessing and receiving child pornography follow other scandals. For instance, Duggar got accused of molesting several underage girls, including some of his sisters. But he managed to move on, enjoying his life with wife Anna Duggar. Can Josh now find a way to prove that he deserves to get freed from prison? Find out everything to know below. 

Josh Duggar – Child Pornography Scandal Update

While the trial of Johnny Depp and Amber Heard has caused many to take sides, Josh Duggar’s child pornography scandal has sparked few to side with the reality TV alum. However, some family members, including his wife Anna Duggar and mother Michelle Duggar, have tried to defend Josh. And on Wednesday, May 25, both Josh’s supporters and detractors may discover the outcome.

During the sentencing hearing, Josh will face two charges of receiving and possessing child pornography, reported In Touch Weekly. And that hearing will take place in the wake of a six-day trial last year. After his guilty verdicts, Duggar entered police custody. And he has remained in custody, living in a Washington County Jail in Arkansas. Because of the nature of those charges, Josh has lived in solitary confinement to safeguard him. 

But the key question for those following the trial comes down to how long will Josh need to stay in jail? Because of the legal sentencing established for such cases, Josh could spend as long as two decades behind bars for each count. But beyond that, Duggar could need to pay as much as $250,000 in fines after the sentencing. 

Josh Duggar Sentencing – Defense Versus Prosecution

Thus far, the federal prosecution has battled Josh’s defense team over the length of the prison sentence. Earlier this month, the reality TV alum’s lawyers filed a memo seeking a sentence of just five years. However, the prosecution believes that Duggar should serve the maximum possible sentence.

And for those anticipating that the saga of Josh will end on May 25, not necessarily. For instance, an appeal could extend the situation. And some experts even predict that will happen. “I would assume there will be an appeal,” noted former U.S. Attorney David Haas. “However, the specific issues raised on appeal will take time to be heard. The trial court has already heard these issues so a successful appeal could be difficult.”

But Haas also feels that Josh will not get the maximum penalty. “The Federal Sentencing Guidelines will suggest an advisory sentencing range. In most cases, the Guidelines range will be lower than the maximum penalty – in this case, less than 40 years,” explained the legal expert.

Tell us what you think. Do you predict that Josh Duggar will manage to get his sentencing trial extended through an appeal? And after you share your views, check back on our site for more celebrity and reality TV news.