OJ Simpson, a former NFL star and actor, was arrested and later sent to prison for multiple felonies. The timeline of when OJ went to jail covers both the infamous 1995 murder trial and the later 2007 robbery conviction that ultimately led to incarceration.
Below is a detailed breakdown of key events, case phases, and outcomes related to his imprisonment, along with answers to common questions and practical takeaways.
| Event | Date | Outcome | Jail Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arrest for Murder | June 17, 1994 | Acquitted in criminal trial (1995) | No jail time for murder acquittal |
| Civil Judgment | February 1997 | Found liable for wrongful deaths | Owed $33.5 million; assets targeted |
| Arrest for Armed Robbery | September 13, 2006 | Charged with kidnapping and armed robbery | Jail pending trial |
| Robbery Trial Conviction | December 5, 2008 | Guilty on multiple counts | Sentenced to 9 to 33 years |
| Incarceration Start | December 6, 2008 | Transfer to Lovelock Correctional Center | Began serving sentence |
Murder Acquittal and Civil Liability
After his acquittal in the criminal murder trial, OJ Simpson remained a free man for years. However, the families of the victims won a civil lawsuit against him in 1997, which created financial judgments but did not result in immediate jail time. This phase clarified legal responsibility but did not trigger imprisonment.
2006 Robbery Arrest and Pretrial Jail
Initial Detention After Armed Robbery Charge
When OJ was arrested in 2006 for his involvement in a Las Vegas hotel room robbery, he was held in county jail without bail. The high-profile nature of the case and concerns about witness tampering led a judge to deny immediate release, marking the first time he entered jail as a detainee.
Pretrial Conditions and Denials
During the pretrial period, OJ remained in custody because the court deemed him a flight risk. He was not granted bail, and his requests for release were repeatedly denied, extending the time he spent in jail before his trial date could be set.
2008 Conviction and Sentencing
Guilty Verdict and Formal Sentencing
After a highly publicized trial in Las Vegas, a jury convicted OJ Simpson in 2008 on charges of kidnapping and armed robbery. The judge sentenced him to a lengthy prison term, effectively ending any chance of avoiding incarceration for the robbery conviction.
Transfer to State Prison
Following the sentencing, OJ was transferred from the Clark County jail to the Lovelock Correctional Center in Nevada. This move marked the official start of his multiyear prison sentence and placed him in a maximum security facility for the duration of his term.
Life During Incarceration and Release Timeline
OJ Simpson served the majority of his sentence at Lovelock Correctional Center, where he had limited contact with the outside world. His release date was determined by good time credits and parole eligibility, eventually allowing him to leave prison in 2017 after serving nine years of his sentence.
Key Takeaways and Recommendations
- OJ Simpson avoided jail after his murder acquittal but was later imprisoned for robbery and kidnapping.
- His 2006 arrest for armed robbery led to pretrial detention without bail.
- A 2008 conviction resulted in a sentence of 9 to 33 years at Lovelock Correctional Center.
- He served nine years before becoming eligible for release in 2017.
- Civil liability from the 1990s case did not cause jail time but increased financial penalties against him.
FAQ
Reader questions
Why was OJ Simpson arrested in 2006?
He was arrested for his role in an armed robbery and kidnapping at a Las Vegas hotel, where he attempted to retrieve sports memorabilia from dealers.
Was OJ Simpson in jail during his murder trial?
No, he was acquitted in the criminal murder trial and remained free until the 2007 arrest for robbery changed his legal status.
How long did OJ Simpson spend in jail before his 2008 conviction?
He was held in jail for approximately two years from his 2006 arrest until his 2008 conviction and sentencing.
When did OJ Simpson actually start serving his prison sentence?
He began serving his sentence on December 6, 2008, after his robbery conviction and transfer to Lovelock Correctional Center.