Danny Masterson Appeals Conviction, Blames Lawyer for Failed Defense

Actor Danny Masterson is fighting to overturn his 2023 rape conviction. He was sentenced to 30 years in prison last year. Now, new legal filings reveal he is placing the blame squarely on his former attorney.

Masterson claims his lawyer, Phillip Cohen, provided an ineffective defense. The habeas corpus petition alleges Cohen failed to call key witnesses. It also states he did not properly challenge the prosecution’s arguments about Scientology.

Legal Filing Details Specific Failures

The court documents are highly critical of Cohen’s strategy. Masterson states he “implored [Cohen] to present at least a minimal modicum of defense evidence.” The filing says his attorney refused to do so.

According to the Associated Press, the document alleges a pattern of neglect. It claims Cohen spoke to only two of more than 20 potential witnesses. This failure allegedly violated Masterson’s Sixth Amendment rights to a proper defense.

The impact of this alleged failure was significant. The court found Masterson guilty on two counts of rape. This followed a previous trial in 2022 that ended with a hung jury.

Broader Implications for the Case

This appeal introduces a new layer to the high-profile case. The focus has shifted from the crimes to the quality of legal representation. The outcome could set a precedent for similar appeals based on ineffective counsel.

For now, Masterson remains in prison. The appeals process is expected to be lengthy. The Los Angeles Superior Court will review the claims before any decision is made.

The appeal hinges on proving his original trial was fundamentally unfair. Danny Masterson’s future now depends on the court’s view of his lawyer’s actions.

Thought you’d like to know

What was Danny Masterson convicted of?

Danny Masterson was convicted on two counts of rape in 2023. The charges stemmed from incidents that occurred early in the 2000s. The court sentenced him to 30 years to life in state prison.

Who is Danny Masterson’s lawyer?

His lawyer during the trial was Phillip Cohen. Masterson is now alleging that Cohen provided an ineffective defense. The new filing criticizes Cohen’s strategy and preparation.

What is the basis for the appeal?

The appeal claims ineffective assistance of counsel. It states his lawyer failed to call crucial witnesses. It also argues he did not challenge the prosecution’s Scientology-related arguments.

How long is Danny Masterson’s sentence?

He was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison. He began serving his sentence immediately after the 2023 verdict. The appeal seeks to overturn this conviction entirely.

What role did Scientology play in the trial?

The prosecution argued Scientology influenced the victims initially. They said it prevented them from reporting the crimes sooner. Masterson’s defense allegedly failed to counter these claims effectively.