Lori Loughlin must “thank her lucky stars” after receiving a two-month self-punishment, a fine of blow-to-the-wrist and community service for her role in the college admissions scandal that exposed a front of rich and famous families who paid to have their children admitted to some of the nation’s most prestigious schools, says one legal expert.
“Guilty plea was a great call. It’s a very bright sentence, given the potential exposure it has, ‘Gregory Stone, a founder of Stone, Dean LLP in Los Angeles who has attended more than 80 lawsuits and handles criminal and civil cases in both states as federal courts, Fox News reported on Friday following Loughlin’s conviction.
Stone, who is not involved in the Loughlin case, said the actress and her husband of fashion designer, Mossimo Giannulli, set their feet on fire in this legal proceeding, and accepting her plea was the best hand they could have played.
LORI LOUGHLIN’S MUSBAND, MOSSIMO GIANNULLI, LOOKING UP TO 5 MONTHS FOR PRISON IN COLLEGE ADMISSION SCANDAL CASE
“If Loughlin had gone to trial and lost, she could have spent years in prison and if there had been a guilty verdict after a trial, it is unlikely the court would have been so voluntary in sentencing,” explained the lawyer.
For their part in the wide-ranging federal case, Loughlin and Giannulli were sentenced to two and five months, respectively, by Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton. The sentences are in line with the terms of their lawsuit filed months ago.
LORI LOUGHLIN, MOSSIMO GIANNULLI ALLEGEDLY INSTRUCTIONS OLIVIA JADE ON LIGHT AGAINST RIGHTS
In her plea agreement, Loughlin, 56, agreed to serve two months and pay a $ 150,000 fine along with two years of probation and 100 hours of community service. Giannulli, meanwhile, would serve five months in prison, pay a $ 250,000 fine with two years of probation and 250 hours of community service.
Stone feels that Loughlin’s mandate for community service is fair given the time the prison is handed over, but is of the opinion that Loughlin is unlikely to be subjected to the type of service one would suspect because of her celebrity status.
Lori Loughlin, center, poses with her daughters Bella, left, and Olivia Jade in 2017. (Photo by Jordan Strauss / Invision / AP, File)
(AP)
“It’s unlikely that Loughlin’s community service will include something like picking up trash on the side of the highway,” Stone said, adding, “She will likely be able to make announcements for public services as a community service.”
Loughlin and Giannulli have previously pleaded not guilty to extended bribery charges brought against them in October along with 11 other parents in the scandal.
LORI LOUGHLIN: FEDERAL PROSECUTORS FREE RIGHT TO FIND ACTRESS ‘PRISON DEAL’
The charge of conspiracy to carry out bribery of federal programs carries a maximum sentence of up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $ 250,000. The couple were also charged with money laundering and conspiracy charges that carried a potential sentence of 40 years if convicted for all.
“This is a great outcome for the actress,” the lawyer continued. “She should thank her lucky stars that this thing will be behind her and she can move forward to save her reputation.”
Asked if he thinks the time spent in jail given to Loughlin, Giannulli, as well as co-actress Felicity Huffman, would set a precedent in making rich parents think twice before moving in to buy their children in high-profile universities, Stone said the fact that these types of crimes now have serious consequences should act as a constraint.
LORI LOUGHLIN’S DAUGHTERS ‘ABSOLUTE COMPLICIT’ IN COLLEGE ADMISSION SCANDAL, LEGAL EXPERT SAYS
“I absolutely believe that the senses will have a deterrent effect on others,” he said. “Although the punishment is a bit light, the fact that there is a prison term here – how short, however, the serious nature of the crime.”
Both Loughlin and Giannulli have 60 days to pay the fine. They must report to a facility that is still scheduled for Nov. 19. For 2 hours
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Loughlin was fired from roles on both Netflix’s “Fuller House” and Hallmark’s “When Calls the Heart” after her role in the 2019 scandal came to light.
