Sam Bankman-Fried’s Lawyers Advocate for Reduced Sentence

The legal team of former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried have challenged the prosecution's call for a maximum 50-year prison term, criticizing it as an outdated punishment method. This position was detailed in an official statement regarding the anticipated sentencing.

With marked hostility, the memorandum distorts reality to support its precious “loss” narrative and casts Sam as a depraved super-villain,

the letter states.

The defense argues that the proposed lengthy incarceration is essentially a life sentence. To argue for Sam's leniency, they highlighted the likelihood of reimbursing all creditors, his philanthropic efforts, and his simple lifestyle.

They also pointed to data showing a minimal recurrence of financial crimes among “white-collar” criminals, despite prosecutorial claims to the contrary. Therefore, the defense proposed a significantly shorter maximum sentence of 5–7 years.

Previously, the prosecution had released Sam's personal documents, outlining potential steps for restoring his reputation. The strategies varied, from telling the truth and blaming Binance to adopting a stance similar to Tucker Carlson.