Disgraced Lawyer Avenatti Moved to Long Beach Halfway House

Avenatti was re-sentenced to over 11 years in prison last year for tax and wire fraud.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:59pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a pair of handcuffed wrists against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conveying a stark, gritty, and investigative aesthetic.The transfer of disgraced lawyer Michael Avenatti to a halfway house signals a new chapter in the complex story of accountability and redemption for white-collar criminals.Long Beach Today

Disbarred attorney Michael Avenatti, who rose to prominence representing adult-film actress Stormy Daniels in her litigation against former President Donald Trump, has been transferred from federal prison to a halfway house in the Long Beach area. Avenatti was re-sentenced last June to 11 years and three months in prison, down from his original 14-year sentence, after successfully appealing his conviction based on errors in how the value of his legal services was calculated.

Why it matters

Avenatti's high-profile case and fall from grace highlighted the risks of lawyers abusing their positions of trust. His transfer to a halfway house signals he is nearing the end of his sentence and potential reintegration into society, raising questions about accountability and redemption for white-collar criminals.

The details

Avenatti had been serving his sentence at the Terminal Island federal prison before being transferred to the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles and then to the Long Beach halfway house managed by the Residential Reentry Management office. During his time in custody, Avenatti has been a model inmate, serving as a suicide watch companion, completing drug abuse programs, and tutoring fellow inmates for their GED exams.

  • Avenatti was re-sentenced in June 2022 to 11 years and 3 months in prison.
  • He had previously received 5 years in prison in New York for an extortion scheme against Nike and for stealing from Daniels.

The players

Michael Avenatti

A disbarred attorney who rose to prominence representing adult-film actress Stormy Daniels in her litigation against former President Donald Trump, but was later convicted of tax and wire fraud.

Stormy Daniels

An adult-film actress who was represented by Avenatti in her litigation against former President Donald Trump.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, who was involved in litigation with Stormy Daniels that Avenatti represented.

James Selna

The U.S. District Judge who re-sentenced Avenatti to 11 years and 3 months in prison last year, down from the original 14-year sentence.

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What’s next

Avenatti's transfer to a halfway house indicates he is nearing the end of his sentence and potential reintegration into society, though the details of his release and any further legal proceedings remain to be seen.

The takeaway

Avenatti's case highlights the complex issues of accountability and redemption for white-collar criminals, as well as the challenges of ensuring justice is served while also providing opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration.