Josh Duggar’s TLC Fame Could Backfire In Child Porn Sentencing

Josh Duggar thought that he struck reality TV gold when his family’s show, “19 Kids And Counting,” scored high in the ratings. But now, as the jailed just-turned-34-year-old disgraced oldest Duggar son awaits his child pornography sentence, that same fame could backfire. As a result, some legal experts predict that Josh could get the maximum sentence! 

Find out how Duggar’s celebrity status could turn into a liability during his upcoming sentencing. And see what criminal lawyers predict for the fate of Anna Duggar’s husband. Learn more about what Josh’s future could hold below. 

Josh Duggar – May Receive Maximum Sentence For Child Porn Guilty Verdict: Here’s Why!

On December 9, a court ruled Josh Duggar guilty of receiving and possessing child pornography. Since then, the oldest son of Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar has sat behind bars awaiting his fate. But a criminal lawyer told the Sun that the 34-year-old’s “19 Kids And Counting” fame could adversely impact his sentence.

Josh’s “celebrity status” may result in a maximum sentence, Beverly Hills attorney Adam Michael Sacks warned. “The judge doesn’t have a lot of discretion because of the formula used for sentencing,” explained Sacks. And that formula could result in up to two decades behind bars for each guilty count. District Judge Timothy L. Brooks will use the Federal Sentencing Table to consider concerns such as criminal history, victims’ ages, and other factors.

But the attorney also cautioned that Duggar’s “19 Kids And Counting” celebrity status may influence the judge. “For Josh, I believe he will get a higher sentence. Courts don’t want to deal with being accused of giving special treatment and just giving a slap on the wrist,” pointed out the criminal lawyer.

“The judge might say, ‘People looked up to you. You were on television. You should’ve been a better example for the people who watched you,'” added Sacks.

Josh Duggar – How Long Could Anna Duggar’s Husband Spend In Jail?

Based on the sentencing table, Josh Duggar may spend between six to 14 years in prison. That time estimate stems from the attorney’s confirmation that the disgraced reality TV star will serve both sentences simultaneously. But for Josh’s wife Anna Duggar, the stress of her husband’s most recent scandal seems never-ending.

It all began in April 2021, when Duggar got arrested and charged with possessing and receiving child pornography. After a two-week trial, a jury ruled Josh guilty on both counts in December. And prosecutors provided extensive evidence from the “19 Kids And Counting” alum’s computer. 

For instance, one folder featured 65 thumbnail files portraying an underage girl. And other files included horrifying sexual abuse of children. After receiving the guilty verdict, Josh got handcuffed and put into solitary confinement at Washington County Jail.

But Josh’s lawyers have sought to find ways to defend him. For instance, his legal team sought to get a new trial. And they even tried to persuade the judge to dismiss the possession of child pornography charge. But prosecutors called “the evidence of the defendant’s guilt clear and overwhelming.”

Tell us what you think. Do you believe that the judge should take into account Josh Duggar’s celebrity status in determining his sentence? And after you’ve shared your views, check back on our site for more celebrity and reality TV news.