In a recent legal development, actor Jonathan Majors has been found guilty of reckless assault in the third degree, a misdemeanor, and harassment in the second degree. The verdict, while bringing potential consequences for Majors' career, is believed to be unlikely to result in jail time. Legal experts anticipate the possibility of an appeal due to missteps by the defense team and the nature of the charges.

According to Cary London, a civil rights and criminal defense attorney at Shulman & Hill, despite the maximum sentence for assault being one year in jail, it is highly probable that Majors will receive three years of probation, anger management, and community service as it is his first conviction. The sentencing is scheduled for February 6.

The repercussions for Majors' acting career have already begun, with Marvel Studios dropping him from the role of Kang the Conqueror in their upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe films following the guilty verdict. The decision by Marvel Studios underscores the potential long-term consequences that might deter Majors from pursuing an appeal in his case.

Misdemeanor cases going to trial, particularly domestic violence cases in New York, are already considered extremely rare. Normally, defendants opt for a plea deal to avoid the possibility of a harsher sentence. However, Majors' celebrity and the desire to clear his name in the public eye may have contributed to his decision to go to trial, as noted by criminal defense attorney Kate Mangels.

During the trial, the charges stemmed from an incident on March 25, where Majors was involved in a physical altercation with his then-girlfriend, Grace Jabbari. Jabbari testified that Majors forcibly took her phone after she saw a text message on it, resulting in her being injured. While Majors was found not guilty of intentional assault and aggravated harassment, he was convicted of reckless assault and harassment.

One pivotal moment in the trial was when the defense team's cross-examination of Jabbari allowed the prosecution to introduce "Molineux evidence," which had previously been deemed inadmissible. This evidence consisted of text messages Majors had sent to Jabbari in September 2022, which appeared to dissuade her from seeking medical care. This turn of events led some legal experts to believe that an appeal may be feasible based on the allowance of this evidence.

Furthermore, the submission of two counts of assault, one intentional and one reckless, for jury deliberation has raised the possibility of an appeal. Majors was found guilty of reckless assault while being acquitted of the intentional charge. London pointed out that this inconsistency could be grounds for appeal.

A statement issued by Majors' representative expressed an intention to appeal the verdict, stating that the actor "looks forward to fully clearing his name." However, an appeal would not only entail additional time and financial resources but would also draw further attention to the details of the case that could potentially damage Majors' reputation.

As the legal process unfolds, the actor faces a difficult decision regarding whether to pursue an appeal, weighing the potential benefits against the career consequences. The outcome of this case will have far-reaching implications, not only for Majors but also for the perception of celebrity trials and the treatment of misdemeanor offenses within the legal system.