COLLETON COUNTY, S.C. (WSAV) –  Alex Murdaugh, the patriarch of a once-powerhouse legal dynasty in South Carolina found guilty of murdering his wife and youngest son, says his federal sentence is unconstitutional and is asking for a lighter sentence.

Murdaugh is appealing his 40-year federal sentence for financial crimes, saying it amounts to a life sentence.

He confessed to stealing millions from clients over nearly a decade and pleaded guilty to a total of 26 charges, including bank fraud and money laundering.

Murdaugh is also appealing the two life sentences for murdering his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul after being found guilty in Colleton County.