Fugees co-founder Pras Michel, who was convicted of money laundering, illegal lobbying, and campaign finance violations in D. C. federal court in April, is now seeking a new trial. Despite the sentencing date being undetermined, the rapper and entrepreneur has retained new legal representation. Michel claims that his former attorney used artificial intelligence (AI) during the trial's closing arguments. His new lawyers argue that his previous counsel used an experimental AI program, neglecting strong arguments and conflating the charged schemes. They allege that his former attorney boasted about the program's efficiency, effectively reducing hours or days of work into mere seconds. Peter Zeidenberg, renowned civil rights attorney, along with former U. S.

Senator Doug Jones and Scott Peeler, have been hired from the prominent Washington-based law firm ArentFox Schiff LLP to represent Michel. The firm, known for its expertise in complex litigation, government investigations, and criminal defense, will guide and represent Michel throughout this crucial stage. ArentFox Schiff has offices in both Washington, D. C. , and New York, ensuring comprehensive legal support. Legal documents filed by ArentFox Schiff assert that Michel's former attorneys have a vested interest in the program used during the trial, potentially creating conflicts of interest. Zeidenberg, a former federal prosecutor, provided a declaration accompanying their recent motion, referring to a press release issued by EyeLevel's LitAssist on May 10, which promoted itself as the first use of generative AI in a federal trial following Michel's conviction. Quoted in the press release, Michel's former attorney hailed EyeLevel's technology as a game changer for complex litigation. Michel, aged 50, may face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for charges including conspiracy to defraud the U. S. , witness tampering, and acting as an unregistered agent of a foreign government, according to CNN.