The “That 70s Show” actor was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison last year, the maximum allowed by law, and will be eligible for parole after serving more than 25 years.
“The Appellant’s Opening Brief submitted on December 18, 2024, demonstrates two fundamental flaws in Danny Masterson’s convictions: (1) the trial was rife with erroneous judicial rulings that skewed the jury’s view of the evidence against him and (2) there was a stunning amount of exculpatory evidence which was never presented to the jury,” Masterson’s lawyer, Cliff Gardner, shared in a statement.
“But the appeal represents only one part of Danny’s challenge to his convictions. Danny’s habeas lawyer will be following up on the opening brief with a Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus documenting additional defects in the trial process. Stay tuned as we work toward Danny’s complete exoneration.”
“The Ranch” star only served a few weeks at Corcoran after being sentenced to 30 years to life on two counts of forcible rape. He was initially transferred from the Men’s Central Jail in Los Angeles to North Kern State Prison.
Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo sentenced Masterson to 15 years to life on each count, and ordered the sentences to be served consecutively.
He was arrested in June 2020 and was free on $3.3 million bond.
He pleaded not guilty to the charges and has maintained his innocence.
