Pop stars take note, there is now a legal precedent for you to use your career slump as a reason to plead for leniency in court. 

The attorney for former H.O.T. singer Tony An, on trial this week for illegal gambling charges has done just that in an attempt to get his client out of serving jail time, according to the publication eNEWS.

"Although he received the spotlight since the young age of 18, he's experienced psychological difficulties [because it was] during a dry period in his career," An's attorney said at Friday's proceedings in Seoul Central District Court.

An and comedian Lee Su Guen are in court for allegedly betting more than $350,000 in an illegal soccer gambling ring.

Actor and singer Tak Jae Hoon is accused of betting $250,000.

Active between 1996 and 2001, H.O.T. is considered one of the original K-pop boy bands.

After the group disbanded,  An, along with his former H.O.T. bandmates Jang Woo Hyuk and Lee Jae Won formed the dance trio JTL, before the group split in 2003 to pursue solo careers.

Although An faces 10 months of jail time and two years probation, his attorney reportedly requested the judge let him off with just community service.

The prosecution is reportedly calling for Lee to receive an eight-month sentence and Tak to receive a six-month sentence. Both men also face up to two years of probation.

Lee's lawyer reportedly brought up the issue that the comedian's son has cerebral palsy and his wife recently had surgery as justification for why he should receive a lighter sentence.

The attorney also expressed the comedian's deep regret for his illegal gambling.

"He didn't think that a small bet would lead into a large crime," Lee's lawyer said. "He's painfully regretting his actions."

Although Tak admitted to being guilty of the charges against him, he asked for the fact the amount he bet was less to be counted in his favor. His attorney also brought up the fact that he has no previous criminal record be held against him.

An, Lee and Tak are scheduled to reappear in court on Dec. 27.