Def Squad's Keith Murray was in court on Wednesday (July 22) in hopes of getting his jail sentence reduced. The rapper was sentenced in Connecticut's New Britain Superior Court back in January of 1997 to 5 years in jail, suspended after three, and three years probation for second degree assault . Murray and his lawyers, who are appealing the case, are due back in court on Aug. 5. The rapper was found guilty of hitting a teenage fan, David Hughes, over the head with a metal bar stool during a brawl at a club called The Sting in 1995.

On Wednesday the victim's mother, Geralynne Hughes, read a one-page letter in court talking about her son's pain and suffering and why Murray's sentence should not be reduced. The fan allegedly received a 12-inch scar across his face during the scuffle. Further testimonial is expected to be heard on both sides of the case.

This sentence could be completely suspended by Judge James Graham with no actual jail time served, or jail time could be

enforced for which the rapper would immediately be taken into custody following the verdict.