Michael Cohen in court being sentenced now. Follow this thread.
Judge resolves a small matter of law in favor of govt wrt to grouping of offenses.
Finds Cohen was a sophisticated defendant and used his law degree -- both enhancements...
Not good for Cohen obviously. Court recognizes reductions for acceptance of guilt and no crim history.
Petrillo now speaking on behalf of Cohen.
Petrillo cites importance of Cohen's cooperation... standing up for rule of law, standing up to POTUS etc...
Petrillo goes on: MCs decision to cooperate was unusual. He came forward to offer evidence "against the most powerful person in the county..."
Petrillo is slamming POTUS now, painting MC as brave for standing up to him. Argues his cooperation should be see as so important as to defy the normal sentencing framework.
Petrillo acknowledges to SDNY sentencing memo is not flattering to his client. Call it "sharp."
Petrillo asks the court to consider Michael Cohen's "life of good works." Mentions MCs fundraising...
Petrillo calls Cohen "a man of generous spirit." Again mentions fundraising. Starting to repeat himself here. Calls MC a man of integrity.
Petrillo now addressing SDNY memo directly. Defends MCs character. Calls SDNY's character assessment "simplistic and unfair."
Petrillo repeats the point he made in memo, that no bank lost money as the result of Cohen's bank fraud.
Petrillo laments that this could not be resolved in non criminal context. Now blaming Trump for inducing Cohen's false statements to Congress.
Asks Court for "full consideration of mercy."
Plea agreement is now being discussed. SDNY and MC remain at impasse. Scope of plea agmt is narrow. SDNY thinks MC hasn't told them everything. (This plea agreement therefore leaves MC open to future charges if other bad acts are discovered.)
Cohen's attorney notes distinct difference in tone between SDNY and SCO sentencing memoranda.
SCO attorney now speaking. Says she will be brief. Wants to make 2 points. First, this was a "serious criminal violation" and states that MC lied initially to SCO!
Second, Cohen did tell the truth starting with his "second session." Gave SCO "credible and reliable" info on Russia.
Notes that Cohen was generally a good cooperator. Notes the value of his assistant. US attorneys office now speaking...
SDNY attorney states that MC "didn't come close" to helping any SDNY investigation.
SDNY argues against a substantial variance (reduction) in sentence.
"Deception, Brazeness and greed" is how SDNY is characterizing Cohen's conduct. Notes interference with election, long pattern of wilful tax cheating, etc...
MC has "undermined" the rule of law. SDNY repeats request of substantial prison. Now noting importance of long sentence to serve as a general deterrent against future conduct such as this...
Michael Cohen nows stands ro speak...
Says he is "humbly and painfully aware" of his actions. Says "today is one of the most meaning days of my life..."
Cohen now slamming POTUS directly. He called me weak Cohen says. He was right. I was weak to refuse his demands.
Cohen mentions his family, by name. Says he brought pain and shame on his family. Mentions his mom, dad, kids... Says to them "I'm sorry." Long pause ensues.
Cohen continues: mentions his plea agreement, desire to be "a productive member of society again."
MC talking more about Trump's mean tweets and comments about him. MC mentions how unfair it is for POTUS to try to influence his case...
Apologizes again to his family before concluding. MCs voice cracks as he apologizes to "the people of the United States" for lying to them...
Cohen now concluding. He sits.
Judge is now imposing the sentence on MC.
Michael Cohen receives a sentence of 36 months in prison plus 3 years supervised release.
Issues a further order of 500k forfeiture plus payment of $1.393M in back taxes plus a 50k fine.
Judge orders an additional 50k fine for lying to Congress. There are additional terms of imprisonment but all to be served concurrently. Tell Cohen that he may be seated.
Cohen will be able to voluntarily surrender -- isn't taken into custody. Hearing ends.
Cohen will report to prison on March 6, 2019. Press is assembled outside 500 Pearl, waiting for statements. 
I'll just end with this...
