Sean "Diddy" Combs returns to federal court in New York City on Thursday for the first time since the verdict in his high-profile trial in July.

       While the jury acquitted him on the most serious charges against him -- racketeering and sex trafficking -- his attorneys will try to convince the judge to overturn his convictions on two prostitution-related counts.

       Combs was convicted of two counts of transportation for the purposes of prostitution.

       Defense attorneys will make the ask to Judge Arun Subramanian, arguing the charge should not apply to him because his intent was voyeurism, not profit, and because the male escorts traveled voluntarily to participate in "freak-offs" with Cassie Ventura or a woman who testified under the pseudonym "Jane."

       "To our knowledge, Mr. Combs is the only person ever convicted of violating the statute for conduct anything like this," defense attorneys said in a written filing ahead of oral argument. "The proof at trial showed that he typically hired the services of male escorts or dancers advertised openly through lawful businesses, that the men were paid for their time, and that they enjoyed the activities and had friendships with Ms. Ventura and Jane and were not merely traveling to have sex for money."

       The defense also argued Combs’ conduct was not criminal but protected by the First Amendment.

       "The freak-offs and hotel nights were performances that he or his girlfriends typically videotaped so they could watch them later. In other words, he was producing amateur pornography for later private viewing," the defense said.

       Federal prosecutors balked, writing in advance of the hearing that Combs’ conduct "is clearly not entitled to First Amendment protection."

       Prosecutors also argued there "was more than a sufficient basis" to support the conviction.

       "The defendant masterminded every aspect of Freak Offs. He transported escorts across state lines to engage in Freak Offs for pay. He directed the sexual activity of escorts and victims throughout Freak Offs for his own sexual gratification. And he personally engaged in sexual activity during Freak Offs," prosecutors said.

       Combs' sentencing hearing is expected to be held on Oct. 3, according to the court.

       Also this week, Combs' attorneys argued for a prison sentence of no more than 14 months -- a sentence that would effectively amount to time served.