A U.S. federal court has dismissed Alex Murdaugh’s appeal to overturn his 40-year sentence for embezzling millions from his clients and law firm, upholding a punishment that exceeds both federal guidelines and the prosecution’s recommendation. Murdaugh, a once-prominent South Carolina lawyer, argued that his sentence was overly harsh, especially when compared to those convicted of far greater financial crimes. However, the court firmly rejected this claim.
In a two-page ruling delivered on Tuesday, the U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals stated that Murdaugh had forfeited his right to appeal by agreeing to plead guilty, except in extraordinary circumstances. The court determined that a lengthier sentence than anticipated did not qualify as an exceptional circumstance.
This decision follows a previous ruling by U.S. District Judge Richard Gergel in April, who handed Murdaugh the 40-year sentence due to the particularly egregious nature of his crimes. Gergel noted that Murdaugh stole from “the most needy, vulnerable people”—clients who had suffered life-altering injuries or the death of loved ones, placing their faith in the now-disbarred attorney to safeguard their legal interests.
Murdaugh’s lawyers had initially sought a sentence of 17 ½ to 22 years, as suggested by federal agents, or the 30 years proposed by prosecutors. They now argue that their client’s right against cruel and unusual punishment was violated, citing shorter sentences given to individuals convicted of larger-scale financial crimes. Murdaugh’s legal team highlighted the 25-year sentence for cryptocurrency entrepreneur Sam Bankman-Fried and the 11-year sentence for Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes, both of whom stole billions, whereas Murdaugh’s theft amounted to millions.
Federal prosecutors, however, countered that Murdaugh had knowingly signed an agreement that waived his right to appeal unless misconduct was proven by the prosecution or incompetence by his defense. Neither condition was met, they asserted.
Murdaugh has admitted to stealing from clients involved in wrongful death and personal injury cases, with Judge Gergel emphasizing particularly heartbreaking examples, such as a state trooper injured on the job and a trust fund set up for children who lost their parents in a car accident. “These people placed all their problems and all their hopes with their lawyer,” Gergel said during sentencing, adding that Murdaugh’s breach of trust was profound and deeply damaging.
Despite the rejection of this federal appeal, Murdaugh’s legal battles are far from over. His attorneys are exploring further options to contest the 40-year sentence, and he continues to serve a life sentence for the murder of his wife and son. Murdaugh has maintained his innocence in the murder case, testifying during his trial that he did not kill his family. The South Carolina Supreme Court has agreed to review the murder convictions amid claims from Murdaugh’s defense that a court clerk may have tampered with the jury.
With his legal cases winding through appellate courts, Murdaugh faces years of ongoing litigation. However, the dismissal of his latest appeal signals a significant setback in his quest for leniency in his financial crimes case. As the courts prepare to address his murder conviction appeal, Murdaugh’s legal troubles continue to dominate headlines in one of South Carolina’s most notorious legal sagas.