Former Ethereum Developer Virgil Griffith is seeking a reduction in his prison sentence after being convicted in April 2022 for violating US sanctions against North Korea. Griffith, who was found guilty of illegally exporting services to the country and bypassing sanctions, was sentenced to 63 months in prison. However, his attorney is now arguing for a lighter sentence based on recently revised US sentencing guidelines.
The key takeaway from the revised guidelines is the benefit for “zero-point” offenders, individuals with minimal to no prior criminal history. These offenders can qualify for a two-point reduction in their offense level, potentially leading to a significant impact on sentencing ranges. If Griffith is deemed a “zero-point” offender, his sentence could be reduced to as low as 51 months, shaving off a year or more from his original sentence.
Griffith’s attorney, Glen Garrett McGorty, has requested the court to consider the updated guidelines and potentially lower Griffith’s sentence. The defense is hopeful that the court will agree to a sentence no greater than 51 months, if not lower.
In addition to the potential sentence reduction, Griffith is also facing a ten-year export privilege ban imposed by the US Department of Commerce. This ban restricts his ability to participate in international business activities until April 2032. A court date for the resentencing hearing has not yet been set.
The case of Virgil Griffith highlights the complexities of international sanctions and the consequences of violating them. As the legal proceedings continue, the outcome of Griffith’s request for a reduced sentence remains to be seen.
