Madoff Lawyer: 12 Years Is Enough

Sorkin says court must resist 'mob vengeance'
By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff
Posted Jun 23, 2009 11:02 AM CDT
Madoff Lawyer: 12 Years Is Enough
In this artist's sketch, Bernard Madoff, right, speaks to the court during a hearing in federal court, March 12, 2009, in New York. His attorney, Ira Lee Sorkin, stands next to him.    (AP Photo)

Bernard Madoff’s lawyer says his client shouldn’t be jailed for life for his $65 billion Ponzi scheme, Reuters reports, urging the sentencing judge in a letter not to heed calls from victims for “mob vengeance.” A 12-year sentence would be enough, though 15-20 years wouldn’t be “disproportionately punishing” his client, writes Ira Sorkin.

“It is the duty of the court to set aside the emotion and hysteria attendant to this case and render a sentence that is just and proportionate,” Sorkin writes. The lawyer points to Madoff’s age, his “voluntary surrender” and “non-violent nature,” CNNMoney adds. Madoff “will speak to the shame he has felt and to the pain he has caused” at his sentencing hearing Monday. (More Bernard Madoff stories.)

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