Tom Girardi's Sentencing Delayed for Mental Evaluation

Tom Girardi, the disbarred attorney convicted of wire fraud, faces a pivotal moment as a judge has postponed his sentencing to assess whether he should be hospitalized instead of imprisoned due to his cognitive decline. A federal jury found Girardi guilty of embezzling $15 million from his clients, and prosecutors are seeking a 14-year prison sentence along with restitution. Girardi's defense argues that his deteriorating health, including dementia, warrants compassionate care in a medical facility rather than a prison sentence. The judge has ordered a 30-day mental evaluation at a specialized facility in North Carolina to determine the appropriate course of action. While prosecutors have pointed out signs of potential malingering in Girardi's behavior, they acknowledge some cognitive impairment. The case highlights the challenges of balancing justice with the health needs of elderly defendants.