WannaCry Hero Marcus Hutchins, Represented by Baker Marquart [Waymaker], Sentenced to No Prison Time

Baker Marquart achieved a seminal cybercrime victory. On July 26, 2019, a federal judge in the Eastern District of Wisconsin sentenced the firm’s client, Marcus Hutchins, a renowned cybersecurity researcher, to no prison time and one year of supervised release for cybercrimes he committed in his youth. Years later, Marcus stopped the WannaCry ransomware attack, perpetuated by the North Korean regime. WannaCry infected hundreds of thousands of computers in about 150 countries (including in hospitals, banks, government agencies, and major companies) in May 2017, causing major and life-threatening disruptions and over $8 billion in damage before Marcus stopped it. In sentencing Marcus, the judge adopted the defense positions, and without precedent, suggested Marcus pursue a pardon.

“We are thrilled the judge recognized Marcus’ very important contributions to keeping the world secure and sentenced him to no time in prison,” said lead attorney Brian Klein. Emily Stierwalt worked with Klein on this matter along with co-counsel Marcia Hofmann of Zeitgeist Law PC.

Marcus’ case has received worldwide attention, including coverage in: TechCrunch, Telegraph, Ars Technica, Washington Post and New York Times.