SAN JOSE — Former San Jose prosecutor and veteran criminal defense lawyer Jamie Harley is headed to federal prison — and it will not be to visit a client.

U.S. District Judge Lucy Koh on Wednesday sentenced Harley to two years in prison for her 2010 money laundering convictions, rejecting her bid for leniency. Koh turned down Harley’s request for a sentence of home detention, although the judge did impose a prison term six months less than federal prosecutors sought.

As Harley looked on, occasionally grabbing a tissue to dab her eyes, Koh cited her lengthy legal career, first as a local deputy district attorney and later as a defense lawyer, as evidence she abused her position and deserved prison time.

“There was extremely strong evidence against Miss Harley,” the judge said during an hourlong hearing. “She was very sophisticated about this matter.”

Harley, formerly known as Jamie Harmon, declined to address the judge before the sentence was imposed. Edward Swanson, Harley’s lawyer, said he would ask Koh to allow her to remain free while he appeals the convictions.

Otherwise, the 57-year-old Harley was ordered to begin her sentence on June 30. The judge gave Harley more time to surrender so she could attend her daughter’s college graduation before reporting to prison.

A federal jury convicted Harley of laundering more than $120,000 for a former client who was trafficking in stolen computer equipment. Harley denied knowing the money was the product of an illicit business, but the jury disagreed.

During the trial, prosecutors alleged Harley funneled the money to client Christian Pantages that he earned from selling stolen Cisco equipment. Harley directed the cash into her attorney-client trust account and then wrote a series of checks back to Pantages and his wife, knowing the money was the fruit of selling stolen goods, according to the charges.

The case traces back a decade and is part of Harley’s ongoing legal troubles. The state bar has previously disciplined her for other cases involving different clients, and she has lost her license to practice law.

Harley’s lawyer argued that the loss of her livelihood, heavy debts and a damaged reputation should be punishment enough for the money laundering case. Assistant U.S. attorney Susan Knight urged a prison sentence, saying Koh needed to “send a message” to lawyers who abuse their positions.

Howard Mintz covers legal affairs. Contact him at 408-286-0236, or follow him at Twitter.com/hmintz.