Michael Avenatti’s Prison Sentence Reduced After Resentencing Hearing
Michael Avenatti, the well-known lawyer who gained attention for representing adult film star Stormy Daniels in her case against former President Donald Trump, has had his prison sentence cut from 14 years to just under eight years. This change came during a recent resentencing hearing in Los Angeles.
Avenatti was originally found guilty of cheating his California clients out of millions and then hiding money from the IRS. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals overturned his initial sentence in October, deciding that the calculations of the loss to his victims were exaggerated, leading to a sentence that was considered too harsh.
During the resentencing, U.S. District Judge James Selna announced that Avenatti would now serve a total of 95 months, taking into account the 40 months he has already spent behind bars for a different case involving Stormy Daniels.
The new sentencing means Avenatti is expected to be released around mid-2029. The Stormy Daniels case, where he misappropriated funds meant for her, played a role in determining his updated sentence, as it was deemed similar to the other crimes for which he was convicted.
The courtroom on the day of the resentencing was heavily fortified, with the National Guard present in response to recent riots in Los Angeles. Security measures included boarded-up windows and sealed doors.
While Avenatti’s lengthy original sentence was thrown out, his convictions for wire fraud and tax obstruction remain. Prosecutors previously claimed that Avenatti collected settlement payments for his clients and funneled the money into his own accounts, using the stolen funds to finance a lavish lifestyle.
In 2022, he pleaded guilty to multiple counts of wire fraud and obstructing IRS investigations, which originally led to the stiff sentences. His first release date was set for 2035, but Avenatti petitioned for a reduced sentence, hoping to gain freedom sooner.
Ahead of the resentencing, Avenatti argued for leniency, claiming to have changed during his time in prison. He described his role in helping other inmates and his participation in recovery programs, including completing a drug abuse course and attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.
Prosecutors pushed for a sentence that reflected his past actions, aiming to hold him accountable while Avenatti sought to demonstrate that he was trying to make amends for his behavior.
The case involving Avenatti and Daniels revolved around a non-disclosure agreement linked to an alleged affair with Trump. The legality of a $130,000 payment made to silenced Daniels shortly before the 2016 election has been a topic of considerable debate.
As the legal proceedings continue to unfold, Avenatti’s story remains a poignant reminder of the consequences of unethical conduct in the legal profession.
