May 28, 2009 15:31

Phil Spector seeks sentence reduction

Lawyers argue that 'sentence enhancement' is excessive

Lawyers for Phil Spector are seeking a reduction in his sentence for the murder of Lana Clarkson.

The record producer is expected to be sentenced to 19-years-to-life in prison tomorrow (May 29), four of which represent a sentencing enhancement for use of a gun.

The mandatory conviction for second-degree murder is 15-years-to-life.

The sentence enhancement was requested by Deputy District Attorney Alan Jackson. But a court document filed by Spector's lawyer Doron Weinberg requests that it be trimmed to three years, reducing the sentence to 18-years-to-life, according to Billboard.

Weinberg argued that during a private conference with the judge over jury instructions before the verdict, prosecutors had argued "that the facts proven at trial could support the conclusion that the death of Lana Clarkson resulted from an accidental discharge of the weapon during a misdemeanour brandishing".

However, Weinberg also stated that the conviction itself will still be appealed, and that Spector maintains that he did not kill Clarkson.

The producer was found guilty on April 13 of killing the actress at his home in 2003.