THE CHARGES AND SENTENCES

WHAT IS COSBY ACCUSED OF?

He is accused of drugging and sexually violating a woman at his suburban Philadelphia home in 2004. Andrea Constand says Cosby gave her pills that made her paralysed and unable to fight him off as he groped her breast and genitals.

His lawyers said they were in a romantic relationship and what happened was consensual.

WHAT IS HE CHARGED WITH?

Three counts of aggravated indecent assault, each covering a different aspect of the alleged crime.

Count 1 alleges Cosby didn’t have consent when he penetrated Ms Constand’s genitals with his fingers.

Count 2 alleges she was unconscious or semi-conscious at the time and could not give consent.

Count 3 alleges all this happened after he gave her an intoxicant that substantially impaired her and stopped her from resisting.

HOW MUCH TIME COULD HE FACE?

Each of the three counts carries a standard sentence range of five to 10 years in prison, but that doesn’t mean Cosby could be facing up to 30 years.

Legal experts say the sentence for each count should run concurrently under Pennsylvania law since they all cover the same incident and conduct.

That means a conviction would put Cosby in prison at least until he is 84 years old, based on state sentencing guidelines.

WHAT’S THE WORST CASE SCENARIO FOR COSBY?

Pennsylvania law allows sentencing judges to consider uncharged conduct. In Cosby’s case, that means the more than 60 other women who have accused him of assaults dating to the 1960s.

Duquesne University law professor Wes Oliver says those allegations could compel Judge Steven O’Neill to sentence Cosby closer to the 10-year maximum.

WOULD HE HAVE TO REGISTER AS A SEX OFFENDER?

Yes. If he is convicted, prosecutors say, Cosby would also have to register as a sex offender and face an assessment to determine if he is a sexually violent predator.

WOULD COSBY BE HAULED OFF IN HANDCUFFS RIGHT AWAY?

If convicted, Cosby could remain free until sentencing unless Judge O’Neill revokes his US$1-million bail.