On what basis was the conviction overturned?
Procedure... violation of due process. The fact that they made a plea deal and then pulled it and went to trial. No mention of just how controversial the deal was.
Jussie Smollett’s conviction for racist, homophobic attack hoax tossed in stunning reversal
From what I could understand, the court case had already been decided and Smollett’s sentence served (fine paid, community service done), but then a special prosecutor was added after that, so he was basically tried twice for the same charges.
You can’t get a straight answer from any article.
Sounds like the SC said since the DA made a deal then the deal stands.
Ok. Has he been in jail all this time?
Today we resolve a question about the State’s responsibility to honor the agreements it makes with defendants. Specifically, we address whether a dismissal of a case by nolle prosequi allows the State to bring a second prosecution when the dismissal was entered as part of an agreement with the defendant and the defendant has performed his part of the bargain. We hold that a second prosecution under these circumstances is a due process violation, and we therefore reverse defendant’s conviction.
In other words, he hasn't been exonerated or anything like that. He is being let go on a technicality.
Looks like double jeopardy. He originally had a BS plea agreement by a RAT prosecutor and then a special prosecutor was brought in and he was actually tried for his crimes.
Black privilege.
Double Jeopardy.
The earlier pleas deal was a completed prosecution.