McDonnell Could be facing what is, effectively, a Life Sentence.

[dballance]

What I've seen so far in reporting is that federal sentencing guidelines would put his minimum sentence at around 20 years. If the prosecutors convince the judge to pile more on to make an example of him it won't be good for McDonnell. He's 60. Even if he gets around 20 years that doesn't bode well for him leaving prison in something other than a pine box. If the judge piles on just 10 to the 20 that puts him at 90.

He really screwed the pooch on this one.

[oldandhappy]

1. Strongly suspect the length of time will go the other way.

Not my choice. Would like to see him gone but people guilty of murder only serve 7 years these days. In any case, his dream to return to public life is shattered. Now, Walker and Perry and Christie. We need to keep these cases front and center.

[Erich Bloodaxe BSN]

2. I've read conflicting accounts on that.

Some say 'minimum 2 years' on most charges, other people have said there are no minimums on most 'white collar' crimes. If there are minimums of just a few years on even most of the charges, he is indeed staying away for a long time.

[dballance]

3. Are there any DU Attorneys here who can weigh in on this topic?

I've read in more than one place that the 2 year minimum is correct. I hope it is.

[missingthebigdog]

4. It is possible that the two year minimum is correct

But he still may do as little as a few months in prison.

The judge can sentence him to two years on each count, and has the option of running those sentences concurrently. In that case, depending on the policy in place regarding time for good behavior, he might not be in long.

I practice in Arkansas, and State prisoners here do as little as one sixth of the time they are sentenced to.