On Friday, Judge Neal D. Biggers Jr. was harsh with Richard F. Scruggs, giving him the maximum sentence of five years in prison in a judge bribing case.

Back in the 1990s, Mr. Scruggs became one of the most popular and richest US lawyers after winning a trial against the tobacco industry. 

He managed to reach a $206-billion settlement and later on, in 1999, his story provided the background for the movie “The Insider,” starring Al Pacino and Russell Crowe.

Mr Scruggs was part of an attempt to bribe Judge Henry Lackey of Mississippi with $50,000; once he would have accepted the money, the judge was expected to give a favorable ruling in a Hurricane Katrina-related dispute, which involved a $26.5 million settlement.

"You picked the wrong man to try to bribe," Biggers said referring to Lackey. The latter immediately reported the bribe attempt.

Besides the five years in prison, the ex-lawyer must also cover a $250,000 fine, as well as the costs of his incarceration. The sentence seemed to have come as a big shock to the man, as it is said he nearly fainted when he heard the judge’s words. He was ordered to report to the designated prison on Aug 4.

His son Zachary was involved in the case as well. He also pleaded guilty and will be given his sentence next week.

As the case has received massive media coverage, from now on people will probably think twice before engaging in such dangerous and delicate actions.