ATLANTA () -- A federal appeals court cleared the way for F. Lee Bailey to begin serving a six-month prison sentence for failing to turn over millions in cash and stock from a drug-dealer client.


Bailey, a well-known attorney in the United States for four decades, has defended or helped defend many famous clients, including O.J. Simpson, the Boston Strangler, Dr. Sam Sheppard and Patty Hearst.


In a hearing before a packed courtroom Tuesday, the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals lifted a temporary order it issued Thursday granting Bailey a reprieve on the eve of his prison sentence.