The sentencing hearing for Michael Cohen was emotional at times, CNN's Kara Scannell reported.

Scannell, who was inside the courtroom, said Cohen teared up as he spoke to the judge about bringing pain and shame to his family. Sobbing could be heard in the courtroom when Cohen was finally sentenced to three years in prison.

"His family members were all very emotional. He was surrounded by friends and family. His daughter sitting right behind him, his wife, son, his mother, father, in-law, cousins, they all came over after the sentencing, which seemed like an absolute shock to them," Scannell said.

After the sentencing, Cohen and his family hugged and engaged in "long embraces," she reported. Handshakes were exchanged.

"Everyone looked very shocked and I think they were expecting him to have a much lighter sentence, if not any time at all," Scannell said.

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