FILE – Sean Combs arrives at the Pre-Grammy Gala and Salute to Industry Icons at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2020, in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Mark Von Holden/Invision/AP, File)

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**NEW YORK** — A smiling Sean “Diddy” Combs waved to his supporters as he returned to court Thursday for a hearing that could help a judge decide how long the Grammy-winning producer will stay in prison.

Judge Arun Subramanian began listening to arguments from lawyers on points of law that could assist him in determining a sentence for the Bad Boy Records founder, who was convicted of prostitution-related charges in July.

Combs, 55, will have been jailed for nearly 13 months when he is sentenced on Oct. 3. His lawyers argued in court papers submitted this week that he should be sentenced to no more than 14 months in prison. With credit for good behavior, that would mean Combs could be released immediately.

Prosecutors, however, have said they believe he should spend at least several more years behind bars, although they have not yet submitted their sentencing recommendations. Those are expected to be presented to the judge next week.

The judge has indicated that he is also leaning toward a substantial amount of prison time, twice refusing to grant bail since the jury returned its verdict. Judge Subramanian cited Combs’ history of violence as a reason for denying bail.

Combs was acquitted of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges—charges that could have led to a life sentence—but was convicted of arranging interstate travel for people engaged in prostitution.

According to prosecutors, Combs arranged for paid sexual encounters between male sex workers and his girlfriends, some of whom testified about being beaten, kicked, and choked by Combs.

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https://www.phillytrib.com/news/across_america/sean-diddy-combs-returns-to-court-a-week-before-he-faces-sentencing/article_18ae205e-f989-487f-9d8c-82d47bad8d90.html