In response, Smirnov’s defense filed a memorandum on December 24, requesting a four-year sentence. He noted his lack of prior criminal history and his health condition, specifically vision loss from glaucoma. His legal team argued that a six-year sentence would unnecessarily prolong his suffering, as he has been unable to undergo needed eye surgery while in detention.
The Justice Department, represented by Derek Hines, Leo Wise, and Mark Daly, continues to push for a stiff sentence. Smirnov’s defense team is led by Richard Schonfeld and David Chesnoff.
The case is USA v. Smirnov, case number 2:24-cr-00091, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
