Former CIA Director David Petraeus on Thursday was sentenced two years probation and fined $100,000. His career in military and national security has been ruined, and so have his political aspirations, because he provided classified information to his mistress.

Mark Zaid, a Washington attorney, said, “There is a double standard that has been displayed by the U.S. government that is inequitable, unconscionable and just simply unfair”.

Zaid has been a regular representative of government employees and military members in national security cases.

The verdict came almost two months after Petraeus agreed to plead guilty to a federal misdemeanor count of unauthorized removal and retention of classified material.

The plea agreement included a possible imprisonment of up to a year. Prosecutors however recommended for two years’ probation and a fine of $40,000.

But later Judge David Keesler increased the fine to show the seriousness of the offense that stood in ‘stark contrast to 37 years of achievement’.

Prosecutor James Melendres even addressed the seriousness of the case, saying that he was associated with nation’s most sensitive security. And the defendant betrayed the trust, he said.

Before hearing the final decision, Petraeus made a brief statement apologizing to his near and dear ones and other including court, for the pain his actions caused.

After hearing the final sentencing, Petraeus thanked his supporters and again said he was sorry.

The prospect of probation for Petraeus had been raised in an unrelated case by supporters of Jeffrey Sterling, a former CIA officer.

Supporters including Nobel Peace Prize laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu argued such a sentence was unfair compared with the deal Petraeus secured.

Zaid said Petraeus’ penalty isn't significant. He said the most serious consequence for Petraeus is likely that any political ambitions are derailed.