Michael Avenatti, once a cable news darling and lawyer for Stormy Daniels, just had his prison sentence cut. He was resentenced to 11 years and 3 months for stealing from clients and dodging taxes. That’s less than the original 14 years. The Ninth Circuit ruled last year that the judge made mistakes by not counting the value of his legal work and by adding extra time for obstruction of justice,
With credit for time served, Avenatti has about eight more years in prison. That’s still a long stretch. He’s been locked up since early 2022. His crimes include taking money meant for clients, including Stormy Daniels, and trying to extort Nike. He also misled the IRS about payroll taxes from his failed coffee business.
The resentencing hearing was far from a simple do-over. Prosecutors wanted nearly the full 14 years. Avenatti asked for much less.
Judge Selna settled in the middle. He said Avenatti did some good but also “great evil.” He ordered Avenatti to pay about $9 million to victims, including a disabled client and the IRS.
Avenatti’s fall from grace is as dramatic as any, including the recent dramas involving fellow Hollywood heavyweight attorney Tom Girardi.
Avenatti went from being a top lawyer to serving time at Terminal Island, near Long Beach.
Avenatti’s story is a mix of ambition, downfall, and legal drama.
