Shawn Sheikhan is hoping for probation after pleading guilty to operating a marijuana business without a license in California. [Image: Shutterstock.com]

Shahram ‘Shawn’ Sheikhan, an Iranian professional poker player, is hoping that he can avoid prison as he is sentenced for operating a marijuana business in California.

could get as much as 40 years in prison and a $5m fine

The poker pro could get as much as 40 years in prison and a $5m fine if a judge looks unfavorably on him. His attorneys have urged the judge to sentence him to probation instead after their client entered a guilty plea in June last year in the US District Court Southern District of California.

Sheikhan, who has live career earnings of $1.5m and last cashed in the 2021 World Series of Poker, operated a cannabis distribution business without a license between the years 2019 and 2022. In addition to pleading guilty, he also forfeited $191,000 in cash, a forfeiture that his attorneys have asked the judge to consider in his sentencing.

In a 33-page document supposedly seen by PokerNews, his attorneys also highlighted the fact that Sheikhan has expressed remorse for his crimes and noted that marijuana laws have changed in California since he was charged. Other poker pros also shared their support for Sheikhan in the document, including PokerGO President Mori Eskandani.

If he were to get the probation sentence, it would include home detention, drug testing, community service, and counseling. Sheilkhan will receive the verdict on November 3.