Ross Ulbricht Just Appealed His Life Sentence

Ross Ulbricht, the 31-year-old sentenced to life after being convicted of running the deep web market Silk Road, is appealing his sentence.

Ulbricht was sentenced to life in prison last week after being found guilty in February on all counts related to running the site, which facilitated more than $200 million in illegal transactions, which were almost entirely drug deals.

He wasted no time filing the notice of appeal, which disputes both the guilty conviction and the sentence. His lawyers submitted the document to the court on Thursday, less than one week after his sentencing.

Ross Ulbricht's Notice of Appeal

The case was closely followed by proponents of internet freedom, who said Ulbricht's trial would serve as a precedent for future cases brought against people for actions they made online. Many argued the life sentence was too harsh given Ulbricht's actions, and even Russell Brand recently defended Ulbricht, saying he was simply achieving the "American dream" in launching the website.

It's too early to know whether the appeals process will involve new oral arguments, but considering how hard he argued for leniency, it only makes sense he would want the court to reconsider.

Kari Paul contributed reporting to this story.