Diddy’s Appeal Process Expedited, Potential for Earlier Release

A federal appeals judge has agreed to expedite the appeal process for Sean Combs, potentially shortening his 50-month sentence related to sex trafficking and racketeering charges.

U.S. Circuit Court Judge Beth Robinson yesterday granted a request from Combs’ legal team to fast-track the appeal, setting a schedule for briefs and oral arguments as early as April 2026. The unopposed motion proposed an opening brief from Combs’ team by December 23, 2025, followed by the government’s brief in February 2026 and a reply brief from Combs’ lawyers in March 2026. This move comes less than a week after attorney Alexandra Shapiro filed the request.

Combs was sentenced on October 3 to four years in prison, including time already served following his September 2024 arrest, after being found guilty on two counts of transportation for the purpose of prostitution. While acquitted on more serious sex trafficking and RICO charges, the conviction still carries a $500,000 fine and five years of supervised release upon completion of his sentence. The initial release date was set for May 8, 2028, but the expedited appeal offers a chance for a reduced sentence. The case has drawn significant attention due to the high profile of the defendant and the severity of the initial allegations.

Currently incarcerated at Fort Dix FCI in New Jersey – a transfer made on October 30 – Combs may also be eligible for sentence reduction through good behavior and participation in addiction and anger management programs. Shapiro previously stated the appeal will challenge the use of the Mann Act, arguing it was unfairly applied to consensual adult encounters. Officials have not yet commented on the potential impact of the expedited appeal process on Combs’ overall sentence.