College Admissions Scandal Update: Lori Loughlin's Potential Prison Sentence Examined Ahead Of Court Date

Throughout 2020, Lori Loughlin has continued to make headlines pertaining to her alleged involvement in the Rick Singer-led college admissions scandal. After denying that she had played a part in it for more than a year, Loughlin, along with her husband fashion designer Mossimo Giannulli, entered guilty pleas in front of federal Judge Nathaniel Gorton on May 21.

Leading up to the Hallmark star receiving her official sentence, here's what experts have had to say about what she could ultimately receive when she returns to court on August 21.

READ: College Admissions Scandal Update: Lori Loughlin's 2020 Case Examined Before Official Prison Sentence

In 2019, both Loughlin and Giannulli were accused of paying William "Rick" Singer $500,000 so that their daughters, Olivia Jade and Isabella Rose, could attend the University of Southern California (USC). After the allegations, they were each charged with mail and wire fraud, honest services mail and wire fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy to commit federal programs bribery.

Ultimately, the "Fuller House" actress pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud and Giannulli had decided to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud and honest services wire and mail fraud.

After entering their initial not guilty pleas, legal analyst Mercedes Colwin indicated that not admitting their part in the scandal was a "gamble," while others similarly advised Loughlin to face the "consequences" ahead of a potential trial. Additionally, an insider also stated that had she pleaded guilty prior to her January pretrial hearing that "a recommendation of 10 years in prison" would have been made to the judge.

Prior to acknowledging the role she allegedly played in helping Olivia and Isabella gain admission to USC, some then looked to the rulings of other parents involved in Singer's scam to see what may be ahead for Loughlin. In November, Toby MacFarlane, whose behavior mimicked Loughlin's, was sentenced to six months in prison, along with two years of supervised release, a fine of $150,000, and 200 hours of community service. The ruling came after Judge Gorton stated that he viewed MacFarlane's decisions as "fraudulent, deceitful."

Then, in February, Douglas Hodge, another parent involved, was sentenced by Judge Gorton to serve nine months in federal prison, pay a $750K fine, and complete 500 hours of community service.

READ: College Admissions Scandal Update: Lori Loughlin's Post-Prison Plan Reportedly Includes Telling This 'Story'

As a result of the lengthy prison sentences, it was said that the "When Call the Heart" actress then developed new "concern" about what her own sentence could hold. Subsequently, Loughlin's defense reportedly pivoted their strategy prior to her guilty plea.

Now, moving forward, reports have indicated that not only could her sentence mimic a recent ruling but that she could also face a "unique" outcome following her August 21 court date. Additionally, some also believe that her future could also be affected by unexpected guidance.