Russians who climbed the Empire State Building face up to 10 years in prison.

Russians Angelina Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus (real name Kuznetsov), who climbed the Empire State Building in New York, face more than 10 years in prison by law, but in reality the punishment may be milder. This was announced on July 2 by American lawyer Arkady Bukh.

"The charges mean that they can get more than 10 years in prison. But I don't think the judge will give them more than a couple of years behind bars," the lawyer said in an interview with RIA Novosti.

He also allowed the possibility of imposing a suspended sentence on the defendants in the case.

"I think that if the lawyers do a good job, there is a chance to get a suspended sentence," the lawyer clarified.

According to court documents, Nikolau and Kuznetsov are accused of intentionally endangering life, attempting to damage property and illegally entering the building. In addition, they are charged with illegally climbing high-rise structures.

According to Bukh, initially there were more charges, but later the prosecutor's office dropped those that it considered insignificant. He also suggested that the US authorities will find out the immigration status of Russians.

Nicolau and Beerkus climbed to the top of the Empire State Building in New York on July 1. Exactly how the couple was able to bypass the security system and get to the top of the building remains unknown. After the young people climbed to the top of the building, the man took an engagement ring out of his backpack and proposed to the girl. Nikolau and Beerkus were later charged with eight counts each.