College Admissions Scandal Update: Lori Loughlin's Sentence After Pleading Guilty Could Have 'Unique' Outcome

On Thursday morning, Lori Loughlin and Mossimo Giannulli agreed to plead guilty to charges in the college admissions scandal. The "Fuller House" star will plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud and Giannulli will plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud and honest services wire and mail fraud.

Now, experts have spoken out about the sentences that each could receive and a specific factor that could change ultimately change them.

In 2019, Loughlin and Giannulli, allegedly paid William "Rick" Singer $500,000 so that their daughters, Olivia and Isabella Rose, could attend the University of Southern California (USC). Following 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.

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, the Hallmark star agreed to be sentenced to two months in prison, a fine of $150,000, two years of supervised release, and 100 hours of community service. However, Giannulli's plea deal differs with him agreeing to five months behind bars, a $250,000 fine, two years of supervised release, and 250 hours of community service. A court still has to approve the sentences.

READ: College Admissions Scandal Update: Lori Loughlin's Daughter Sends New Message To Hallmark Star

When determining the lengths of the potential sentences, a legal source told People that it came down to the different roles that each allegedly played within the admissions scam.

"Mossimo took the more active role of the two, and the money technically came from him. Mossimo dealt with Rick Singer more frequently, and was the one who originally connected with him. Lori was a bit more passive, but she was aware of everything that Mossimo was doing," stated the source.

As for why the couple decided to plead guilty at this time, it has been said that the deal was presented as the last clear chance for them to plead before going to trial. Previously, the two had been facing October court dates and had seen a jury as their "only chance" for beating the charges.

READ: Lori Loughlin Net Worth: 'Fuller House' Actress' Finances Amid College Admissions Scandal

Following the guilty plea, attorney Cheryl Fiandaca, who is not directly affiliated with Loughlin's case, discussed the development with CBS Boston. After stating that she did not see the about-face as a surprising move due to the fact that the couple was "basically out of defenses," she added that she believes the U.S. Attorney may have agreed to the new plea due to the expense of such trials. Additionally, the legal expert noted that more than two dozen other people involved in the admissions scam have already pleaded guilty as well.

"It's to their advantage to get these cases moved along and to get them out of the system," she later added.

However, the "When Call the Heart" star's sentence could ultimately play out in a "unique way" due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. As stated by People, those in states that have been hit particularly hard by the ongoing spread of COVID-19 have been "considering ways to reduce the number of incoming prisoners wherever possible, particularly for nonviolent offenders."

As a result, they could argue for house arrest or "at least argue for a suspended sentence until 2021 or later, until there is a vaccine."

Both Loughlin and Giannulli are expected to formally plead guilty in front of a judge on Friday.