Alex Murdaugh appeal

Federal prosecutors have requested that a court dismiss Alex Murdaugh's appeal against his 40-year sentence for federal financial crimes, asserting that he waived his right to appeal as part of his plea agreement. Murdaugh, who pleaded guilty to 22 charges including fraud and money laundering, was sentenced in April 2024 and ordered to pay substantial restitution and forfeiture. His defense argues that the lengthy sentence violates the Eighth Amendment, claiming it is excessive and disproportionate to his crimes. However, prosecutors counter that Murdaugh's complaints fall within the scope of his appeal waiver, which limits challenges to prosecutorial misconduct, ineffective counsel, or changes in law. They maintain that the sentence was justified due to the nature of Murdaugh's crimes against vulnerable victims. Murdaugh is currently serving two life sentences for the murders of his wife and son, further complicating his legal battles.