This Is A Problem

The incredibly light sentence, relative to the sentencing guidelines, that Paul Manafort got is problematic on several levels.

First, the judge in the case was clearly on Manafort's side throughout the hearings.  (The next judge who will sentence him will not, so hopefully any sentence will be consecutive.)  There is nothing wrong with a judge reducing sentences because the sentencing guidelines are too harsh.  In a vacuum that's a good thing.  Sentencing guidelines often ARE too harsh.  We should talk about that.

But when I was on Twitter last night, there were a host of lawyers talking about how their clients who had committed petty crimes were looking at roughly the same or more jail time over small offenses.  The system is tilted towards those with the wealth to wait out the plea bargains. 

There was also the unbelievable statement by the judge that "He's lived an otherwise blameless life."  Any cursory example of Manafort's professional career comes across a host of bad actors, dictators, war criminals and shady dealings.  The presumption by the judge that his advocacy for some of the worst people in the world is blameless represents a foundational problem in how the efforts of wealthy men are judged.  Manafort was not a criminal defense lawyer upholding the important of the rights of the accused.  He was a lobbyist and influence peddler.  He broke the law repeatedly.  He is literally going to ANOTHER sentencing hearing soon.

Gahhh.