A man who should spend the rest of his life looking over his shoulder.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Dennis Landin issued the ruling after turning down a request from Avenatti to have the matter moved to federal court, which the opposing side called a delay tactic.
Avenatti did not appear at the court hearing and never filed opposing arguments in the case.
The judge said Avenatti must pay the money because he personally guaranteed a settlement with Jason Frank, who had worked at his former firm.
Frank had alleged the firm misstated its profits and that he was owed millions.
Avenatti, who is toying with a possible 2020 presidential run, told The Associated Press on Monday that Frank owes him and the firm $12 million "for his fraud." He did not provide details.
The ruling follows a court ruling from a U.S. bankruptcy court judge who ordered Avenatti's former firm to pay $10 million to Frank in May. The $4.85 million is in addition to that judgment.