Conrad Murray Gets Maximum Sentence of 4 Years for Death of Michael Jackson

Conrad Murray, the doctor deemed legally culpable for the involuntary manslaughter of pop icon Michael Jackson, has been sentenced to serve 4 years in prison, the maximum sentence permitted in such a case.

The ruling came from the bench of Judge Michael Pastor, who listened to remarks from the defense and the prosecution qualifying their wish for minimum or maximum punishment, respectively.

Pastor spoke of what he says was Murray's betrayal of trust of his patient, Jackson, and pointed to Murray's "failure of character." The judge called what Murray did in providing Jackson with propofol a "clear violation of the doctor-patient relationship," and that his behavior in the context of this case showed his actions were "undermining of the role and responsibility of the role health care professionals [...] perform in our society."

He later added: "This is an unacceptable, egregious serious of departures from the appropriate standard of care." Pastor said he felt Murray showed no remorse for his actions that led to the death of Jackson, and that he is, in fact, a danger to society.

Though the doctor is legally eligible for probation, Pastor ruled that Murray is not suitable for probation. Instead, Pastor ruled he would impose the maximum sentence in this case. Murray is to serve is term in the L.A. County Jail, and is subject to a number of fines and fees as outlined by the law and explained in court by Judge Pastor.