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In a significant legal setback, an appeals court in California has denied Elizabeth Holmes' attempt to overturn her 2022 conviction.

The disgraced Theranos founder, currently serving a prison sentence for fraud and conspiracy charges, had hoped for a different outcome, but the court rejected her claims.

Holmes, once a celebrated entrepreneur, was convicted on three counts of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud in 2022.

She misled investors and patients about Theranos' blood-testing technology, which ultimately led to the collapse of the company.

Alongside her, former Theranos president and ex-boyfriend Sunny Balwani was convicted on similar charges and sentenced to 13 years in prison.

Both appealed their convictions, but the California appeals court ruled against them on February 24, 2025, People said.

Holmes' legal team raised multiple issues in their appeal, arguing that the trial judge allowed former Theranos employees to act as expert witnesses without proper recognition.

However, the court ruled that their testimonies were based on personal experience rather than expert analysis, and any minor errors in this regard were not substantial enough to impact the trial's outcome.

Elizabeth Holmes Faces Legal Dead End as Court Upholds Conviction

Holmes contended that a report from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) misled the jury about Theranos' technology.

The court dismissed this claim, ruling that the report was valid evidence and did not distort the case's facts.

Holmes also argued that her right to cross-examine a former Theranos laboratory director was unfairly restricted.

However, the court found that limiting cross-examination was justified given the trial's circumstances, further weakening Holmes' appeal.

According to LawyerMonthly, legal analysts suggest that this ruling significantly limits Holmes' options for further appeals. Former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani stated, "This is likely the end of the road for Holmes.

She gets one appeal as of right, and this was it." While other legal avenues may exist, Rahmani noted that only a small percentage of additional appeals are granted hearings, making Holmes' chances of a successful appeal slim.

Following the rejection of her appeal, Holmes remains in a Texas federal prison, where she is serving a reduced nine-year sentence from her original 11-year term due to good behavior.

In a recent interview, Holmes described prison life as "hell and torture." She also addressed public scrutiny over having two children while facing prison time, defending her decision and emphasizing her dedication to her family.