LAS VEGAS — If O.J. Simpson is looking for a break from the Nevada judge who will sentence him for kidnapping and armed robbery today, he may be in the wrong courtroom.
Judge Jackie Glass is known for issuing severe sentences and tongue-lashings to high-profile defendants, and she has blasted Simpson before.
“I think she’s one of the tougher sentencing judges,” said attorney Michael Cristalli, who has represented clients in front of Glass.
Glass will sentence Simpson and a golfing buddy on 12 criminal charges that arose from a hotel-room confrontation with two sports-memorabilia dealers who were peddling items from Simpson’s glory days.
After Simpson and co-defendant Clarence Stewart were convicted in October, Glass had them both slapped in handcuffs and hauled off to jail. At a later hearing, she refused to allow them to appear in street clothes. They attended in shackles and jail garb.
Glass could put the 61-year-old Simpson and Stewart in prison for the rest of their lives. She also could follow a recommendation from the state parole agency calling for at least 18 years.
Or she could accept defense arguments that neither man has a criminal record and each should receive the minimum six years.
Attorneys for Simpson said they were bracing for the worst.
“We’re hoping the judge follows our recommendations,” said Gabriel Grasso, a Simpson lawyer. “However, we’re prepared for longer.”
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