30-Year Sentence for Masterson Stands After Appeals Court Rejects Retrial Bid

A California Court of Appeal panel issued a unanimous decision on Tuesday, refusing to overturn the rape convictions of actor Danny Masterson. The three-judge panel concluded in an 89-page opinion that the lower court did not make errors serious enough to require a new trial. The ruling also dismissed a petition claiming Masterson received ineffective assistance from his legal team.

Masterson, 50, was found guilty in 2023 of raping two women at his home in 2003. He received a sentence of 30 years to life in prison. His first trial in 2022 ended without a verdict due to a deadlocked jury. The appeals court specifically rejected the argument that the convictions violated the 10-year statute of limitations for forcible rape. The judges noted that this time limit does not apply when there are multiple victims.

Defense attorneys also argued that the trial court excluded evidence favorable to Masterson and showed bias against his religion. The appellate panel rejected these claims. Masterson is a prominent member of the Church of Scientology. His accusers are former members who stated that church officials told them the incidents were not rape and that internal policies prevented them from reporting to police. The church has denied having such a policy.

Masterson’s legal team announced in an emailed statement Tuesday that they intend to seek review by the California Supreme Court. They have not yet filed the petition. The current ruling means Masterson will continue serving his sentence at the California Men’s Colony in San Luis Obispo. He is not eligible for parole for at least 20 years.

The case has kept Masterson out of the public eye since the allegations surfaced. He starred in “That ’70s Show” from 1998 to 2006 alongside Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis, and Topher Grace. He later appeared in the 2016 Netflix series “The Ranch” with Kutcher. He was removed from that show after the legal proceedings began. The 89-page document provides a detailed breakdown of the legal arguments regarding the statute of limitations and the handling of evidence during the retrial.

The decision stands as a procedural victory for the prosecution after a lengthy legal battle. The court’s analysis focused on whether the trial judge made reversible errors in managing the case. By denying the motion for a new trial, the appellate judges affirmed the convictions. Masterson’s next legal step is a potential appeal to the state’s highest court.

Supporters of the case point to the finality of the appellate decision. The 30-year minimum sentence remains in effect. Masterson’s lawyers will now prepare their case for the California Supreme Court. The outcome of that review will determine if the convictions remain in place permanently or if the case returns to the trial level.