Analysis: SBF sentences expected to be around 10 to 20 years, not 115 years

ChainCatcher news, according to CoinDesk, in the trial of FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF), only 2 of the 7 charges faced by SBF were "substantial" charges, namely "committing wire transfer fraud against FTX customers" and " Wire Fraud Against Alameda Research Lenders,” meaning the DOJ alleges that SBF himself actively committed these crimes. The remaining five charges are "conspiracy" charges, meaning the U.S. Department of Justice accuses him of planning to commit a crime with at least one other person. Unlike "substantial" charges, "conspiracy" charges do not require proof that "a crime actually occurred." For a "conspiracy" charge, the DOJ must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that at least two individuals "agreed to commit fraud" and acted publicly to do so. Kramer Levin partner Jordan Estes said the Justice Department will likely try to simplify the case as much as possible so that the jury focuses on the lies and fraud SBF engaged in, but if SBF's defense team is able to prove he had no intention of trying to commit fraud, he could be indicted. found not guilty. The eight charges initially faced by SBF, one of which was later dropped, carried a combined penalty of 115 years in prison. Some media have suggested that SBF could spend more than 100 or 150 years in prison, but in reality, if he is convicted, he likely won't need to spend that much time in prison. First, even if there are multiple convictions, the sentences are more likely to be served concurrently rather than consecutively. Given the seriousness of the crime and the expected damages, SBF could spend around 10 to 20 years in prison if convicted, several attorneys said.