Tom Girardi to Be Sentenced to Prison Despite Dementia Diagnosis

Disgraced former attorney Tom Girardi, once a legal titan in Los Angeles, will be sentenced to federal prison for stealing $15 million from injured clients, despite his diagnosis of age-related dementia. U.S. District Judge Josephine Staton confirmed the decision after a nearly three-hour hearing in downtown Los Angeles. Sentencing is scheduled for Tuesday.

Girardi, 85, was convicted in August 2024 on four counts of wire fraud stemming from a decade-long Ponzi scheme that diverted client settlements to fund a lavish lifestyle. Federal prosecutors are seeking a 14-year sentence.

Medical Evaluation and Court Decision

During the hearing, medical experts from the U.S. Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and defense witnesses testified about Girardi’s mental state. Despite cognitive impairment, Judge Staton ruled that the BOP can provide adequate care in a designated facility.

Girardi briefly took the stand, displaying moments of confusion and clarity. He falsely claimed recent travel across the U.S. and referenced his now-defunct law firm, Girardi Keese, as still operational. Yet, he also acknowledged “serious memory loss,” a statement the judge cited as evidence of his partial awareness.

Staton also noted his physical response—adjusting his trousers after they began to fall—as further proof of situational awareness and capacity for embarrassment.

Defense’s Plea for Continued Assisted Living

Defense attorney Sam Cross argued that Girardi should remain at the assisted living memory care facility where he has resided for over two years. Cross emphasized Girardi’s frailty and the risk of exploitation if incarcerated.

However, video testimony from BOP medical professionals and Girardi’s own behavior in court convinced Judge Staton that imprisonment is both possible and appropriate.

Background: Fraud, Fame, and Collapse

Girardi rose to national prominence for his role in the landmark case against Pacific Gas & Electric, which inspired the film Erin Brockovich. He was also featured in the 2021 Hulu documentary “The Housewife and the Hustler”.

From 2010 to 2020, Girardi misappropriated millions from clients to fund extravagant expenses, including private jets, luxury items, and the career of his estranged wife, Erika Jayne, a star on Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Jayne filed for divorce in 2020 after 21 years of marriage. She has not been charged in the criminal case.

Girardi was disbarred in 2022, and the State Bar of California confirmed over 200 complaints ranging from misappropriation of funds to abandonment of clients. His once-prestigious law firm collapsed amid lawsuits and mounting allegations.

Girardi and his firm currently face more than $500 million in bankruptcy claims, including funds allegedly stolen from families of victims in an Indonesian plane crash.

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Disgraced attorney Tom Girardi will be sentenced to prison for a $15 million fraud despite his dementia diagnosis. Federal judge rules BOP can provide adequate care.