Khodorkovsky was once Russia's richest oil tycoon who fell out with Russian prime minister Vladimir Putin when he backed opposition politicians.
He has been in jail for tax evasion since 2003 and has now been found guilty of embezzlement and money laundering.
White House spokesman Robert Gibbs says the United States is "troubled by the allegations of serious due process violations and what appears to be an abusive use of the legal system for improper ends".
"The apparent selective application of the law to these individuals undermines Russia's reputation as a country committed to deepening the rule of law," Mr Gibbs said.
Earlier, secretary of state Hillary Clinton said the verdict "raises serious questions about selective prosecution and about the rule of law being overshadowed by political considerations".
There were shouts of "freedom" as the fallen billionaire, who has already spent seven years behind bars, was led into court.
Supporters of Khodorkovsky were bundled away, while cameras were kept out of the court room.
The guilty verdict was widely expected among observers and during the trial Khodorkovsky said he was prepared to die in prison.
Mr Putin seemed to predict the outcome of the trial when asked about Khodorkovsky in a call-in show earlier this month.
"A thief must be in jail," he said.
"According to a court ruling, Khodorkovsky is considered guilty of theft, quite a substantial one."
Oil wealth made Khodorkovsky the richest person in Russia but he was convicted of fraud and his assets were stripped after he split with the Kremlin.
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