Disgraced lawyer Michael Avenatti is arguing that his time in prison has made him a better person and he’s requesting federal judges to take this personal growth into account at his upcoming hearing on May 27. Avenatti, who is serving a 14-year sentence for defrauding a multimillion-dollar client and hiding income from the IRS, has appealed his sentence. He claims that the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals instructed a new hearing due to an earlier miscalculation in sentencing.
In a recently filed 41-page document, Avenatti’s lawyer provided insights into his life at Terminal Island Prison in Los Angeles, detailing how he’s earned the trust of prison staff and assists fellow inmates. He has also completed a substance abuse program and regularly attends Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and religious services.
Avenatti’s legal team highlights that while in prison, he has made a notable effort to engage with fellow inmates, particularly in the library, where he has helped those facing academic challenges with legal issues. The argument suggests that his actions in prison reflect a sincere desire for rehabilitation and change.
However, prosecutors maintain that Avenatti remains untrustworthy, emphasizing that his previous actions of stealing from clients demonstrate a pattern of greed and deception that warrants a significant prison term.
At the moment, Avenatti’s release is scheduled for July 31, 2035, but he is requesting Judge James Selna to reconsider the duration of his sentence, arguing for a reduction to just a few years, which prosecutors are contesting, advocating instead for a longer sentence.
Additionally, the discussions related to Avenatti’s other legal troubles—particularly those involving Nike and his high-profile client, Stormy Daniels—continue to unfold, with past attempts to appeal those cases not achieving favorable outcomes.
Avenatti’s efforts to showcase his remorse through his behavior while incarcerated remains an ongoing aspect of his legal battles, with emphasis on the tangible changes he claims to have made during his time in prison.
