In October 2020, rapper Tory Lanez was charged with assaulting fellow artist Megan Thee Stallion during an altercation in the Hollywood Hills. Megan claimed Lanez shot her in the feet after an argument, while Lanez denied the allegations. The case went to trial in December 2022, culminating in Lanez being found guilty on 3 felony charges in late December.
Lanez was convicted of:
- Assault with a semiautomatic firearm
- Carrying a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle
- Discharging a firearm with gross negligence
He now faces up to 22 years and 8 months in prison at sentencing. Here is an overview of Lanez’s potential prison time based on the charges and sentencing guidelines in California:
Potential Prison Sentences
Assault with a Semiautomatic Firearm
- Felony charge
- Carries 3 to 12 year prison sentence
- Sentencing enhancements could add 10 or 20 years
For this charge, Lanez faces 3 to 22 years in prison. Prosecutors argued he inflicted great bodily injury on Megan Thee Stallion, which could add a 10-year enhancement. They also argued he discharged the gun from a vehicle, adding 20 years. With enhancements, Lanez faces 33 years maximum for this count.
Carrying a Loaded, Unregistered Firearm in a Vehicle
- Felony charge
- Carries 3 to 6 years in prison
Lanez faces 3 to 6 years for this conviction.
Discharging a Firearm with Gross Negligence
- Felony charge
- Carries 2 to 3 years in prison
For this count, Lanez faces 2 to 3 more years, bringing his total exposure to 8 to 22 years, plus enhancements.
When Will Lanez Be Sentenced?
Lanez is scheduled to be sentenced on January 27, 2023. The judge will determine which sentencing enhancements apply and how much time Lanez will serve. Prosecutors will likely push for the maximum 33 year sentence, while the defense will argue for the lower range of 8 years.
California sentencing guidelines give judges discretion based on factors like:
- Criminal history
- Remorse and acceptance of responsibility
- Risk of re-offending
Lanez has no significant prior record. But he maintains his innocence despite the verdict, which could work against him at sentencing.
Will Lanez Serve the Full Sentence?
Lanez will not necessarily serve the entire sentence. With good behavior, most inmates serve around 85% of their total sentence in California.
However, firearm enhancements must be served in full. So any enhancement time Lanez gets cannot be reduced.
Lanez may also be released earlier by the parole board if he demonstrates reform in prison. California allows parole consideration after completing the base sentence, plus any enhancement.
For example, if Lanez gets an 8 year base sentence plus a 10 year enhancement, he would be eligible for parole after serving 18 years.
How Much Time Will Lanez Likely Serve?
Based on the charges and Lanez’s lack of criminal record, here are some likely scenarios for his prison time:
- 8 year minimum sentence – With good behavior, Lanez would serve around 6 years and 8 months.
- 12 year middle sentence – Around 10 years and 2 months behind bars.
- 22 year maximum sentence – About 18 years and 7 months in prison.
- 33 year maximum with enhancements – Up to 28 years served before parole eligibility.
Most legal experts expect Lanez will get somewhere between the minimum and middle range sentences. A sentence on the higher end is possible if the judge wants to make an example of Lanez.
But it’s unlikely Lanez will get the absolute maximum possible sentence, given his clean record.
How Will Jail Time Affect Lanez’s Career?
Any amount of prison time will seriously damage Lanez’s music career. He is 30 years old now – even just 6 years in jail means he wouldn’t be released until his late 30s.
Lanez will lose valuable time during his prime music years. He also risks losing relevance, momentum, and fan interest while incarcerated.
However, some artists like Gucci Mane have reopened their careers successfully after prison stints. It depends on factors like:
- Lanez’s ability to create music in jail
- Fan loyalty and interest after his release
- His musical output and quality of songs post-prison
Lanez could possibly rebuild his career after doing his time. But the prison sentence is a huge setback for the rising star.
Conclusion
Tory Lanez likely faces between 6 to 18 years in prison after being convicted on 3 felony charges related to shooting Megan Thee Stallion. His lack of criminal history works in his favor, but he could get up to 28 years if the judge imposes all enhancements.
While Lanez won’t serve the full sentence with good behavior, the conviction essentially puts his music career on hold during his prime years. However, history shows rappers like Gucci Mane have managed to rebuild their success after prison. So it’s possible Lanez could revive his career after release, but with a lot of lost time and momentum.
His sentencing in January 2023 will determine how much time Lanez ultimately spends behind bars for this painful chapter in hip hop history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the 3 charges Tory Lanez was convicted of?
Tory Lanez was convicted of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, carrying a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle, and discharging a firearm with gross negligence.
What was the altercation with Megan Thee Stallion about?
Prosecutors alleged Lanez shot at Megan Thee Stallion’s feet following an argument after a pool party in the Hollywood Hills in July 2020. Megan claimed Lanez was angry she wanted to leave the party.
What kind of weapon did Lanez allegedly use?
Prosecutors said Lanez used a 9mm semiautomatic handgun in the altercation with Megan Thee Stallion.
Did Tory Lanez take the stand at his trial?
Yes, Tory Lanez testified in his own defense at the trial. He repeatedly denied shooting at Megan Thee Stallion and said he was framed. But the jury did not find Lanez’s testimony credible.
How long did jury deliberations last?
The jury deliberated for two days before finding Tory Lanez guilty on all three felony counts.
Does Tory Lanez have any previous criminal record?
No, Tory Lanez does not appear to have any significant prior criminal history. This trial represented his first major brush with the law.
Can Tory Lanez appeal the verdict?
Yes, Lanez can file an appeal after sentencing arguing errors were made that violated his right to a fair trial. However, appeals are rarely successful in overturning jury verdicts.
Will Tory Lanez get bail while awaiting sentencing?
No, Lanez has been in jail since the verdict was read. He was handcuffed in court and denied bail pending his sentencing hearing.
Who was the judge that presided over the trial?
Judge David V. Herriford oversaw the Tory Lanez trial in Los Angeles. He will also determine Lanez’s sentence.
Will Lanez go to state or federal prison?
Since Lanez was convicted under California state law, he will serve his sentence in a California state prison rather than federal prison.